State-of-the-art care for people with Down Syndrome and cardiovascular conditions

We believe that every person should have access to the highest attainable standard of healthcare provision where they live.

We have collaborated with an international team of cardiologists (heart experts) to write a review of the recommended treatment of cardiovascular (heart) conditions in people with Down syndrome.

We are delighted that the review has been published in the top cardiology journal worldwide, Circulation!

You can read the full article in the Circulation journal:

CIRCULATION

Cardiovascular disease and Down syndrome.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most prevalent health problems in people with Down syndrome, affecting 1 in 2 people.

Inborn defects of the heart (congenital heart disease) are common, and there is a predisposition to the development of high blood pressure in the lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension) and other complications.

Moreover, this population is at risk of developing acquired heart disease.

Clinicians should be aware of the cardiovascular features of Down syndrome and work together with other disciplines to improve care.

Why this review was needed.

Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities clearly states that everyone should have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.

This is particularly relevant for people with Down syndrome, in whom heart problems should be diagnosed and treated early without delay or bias related to their background condition.

People with Down syndrome should also be educated and supported to understand their healthcare needs and, when possible, be involved in decisions relating to their health.

What we did.

Cardiovascular experts from 5 continents joined forces with DSi to develop a state-of-the-art review and expert consensus on cardiac disease in people with Down syndrome, published in Circulation, a world-leading cardiovascular journal with global readership.

The review covered ten key areas relating to Down syndrome and cardiac disease using feedback from key stakeholders of the DSi global network.

The topics addressed provide clinicians with the knowledge needed to effectively care for people with cardiovascular conditions and Down syndrome, including best practice in diagnosis, treatment, lifelong follow-up, and prevention of complications.

It also highlights inequalities that exist in the provision of care across borders and in different healthcare settings.

The current work highlights best practices, gaps in knowledge, and common pitfalls in the care of people with Down syndrome.

“Through this work, we aim to improve standards of clinical practice, raise awareness and, ultimately, inform the development of international practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease in people with Down syndrome.”

- Dr Andrew Constantine MBBS MA MRCP(UK), coauthor.

Read the article in the Circulation journal:

CIRCULATION