2018 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Abstract

PREAMBLESince 1980, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have translated scientific evidence into clinical practice guidelines (guidelines) with recommendations to improve cardiovascular health.These guidelines, which are based on systematic methods to evaluate and classify evidence, provide a cornerstone for quality cardiovascular care.The ACC and AHA sponsor the development and publication of guidelines without commercial support, and members of each organization volunteer their time to the writing and review efforts.Guidelines are official policy of the ACC and AHA. Intended UsePractice guidelines provide recommendations applicable to patients with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.The focus is on medical practice in the United States, but guidelines developed in collaboration with other organizations can have a global impact.Although guidelines may be used to inform regulatory or payer decisions, they are intended to improve patients' quality of care and align with patients' interests.Guidelines are intended to define practices meeting the needs of patients in most, but not all, circumstances and should not replace clinical judgment. Clinical ImplementationManagement in accordance with guideline recommendations is effective only when followed by both practitioners and patients.Adherence to recommendations can be enhanced by shared decision-making between clinicians and patients, with patient engagement in selecting interventions on the basis of individual values, preferences, and associated conditions and comorbidities.

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Affiliated Institutions

• Smith Family AU
• Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions US
• University of Fort Hare ZA
• Jack Miller Center US
• H.B. Fuller (United States) US
• American Association for Thoracic Surgery US
• Archer Daniels Midland (United States) US
• Society of Thoracic Surgeons US

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