Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program
Advancing Care for Teens and Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Learn More About Our Program
Program director Curt Daniels, MD, discusses the capabilities of his team
Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program
Adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease have different considerations than children. Because of these factors, specialized centers have been developed across the country to care for these patients. Nationwide Children’s is fortunate to have one such specialized program. The Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program at Nationwide Children's was created to meet the medical and surgical needs of this unique and complex population and is comprised of a dedicated team of medical experts who have devoted their careers to the care of these patients.
Our program has been accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA)
About the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program
Established in 2000, this program has become one of the largest and leading ACHD programs in the United States with an average annual patient growth of 30% – over 2,000 patients total. Patients with all forms of congenital heart disease, from simple to complex, receive treatment from our specialized team, including patients with pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular connective tissue disorders. Patients are seen at both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which allows patient care to be individualized utilizing the most appropriate resources from each institution. The Columbus Ohio Adult Congenital Heart Disease (COACH) Program is committed to improving ACHD care not only through excellence in patient care, but also through research, education and advocacy.
The COACH Program is very involved in designing the future of ACHD care through participation in the Vision 2020 national strategic initiative of the Adult Congenital Heart Association. COACH members are active participants in each of the four working groups: Regional Centers of Care; Program Accreditation; Workforce Development; and Business Models for successful programs.
Our Program Expertise
- Adults with congenital heart disease
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Cardiovascular connective tissue disorders
Meet Our ACHD Team
The COACH (Columbus Ohio Adult Congenital Heart Disease) Program at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a dedicated group of medical professionals who have devoted their careers to the care of patients like you.
Our cardiologists, board certified in internal medicine and pediatric cardiology, understand your heart defects, surgeries, and other adult congenital heart issues. Our nurses are also highly trained in the field of adult congenital heart disease. The COACH team works in collaboration with your primary care doctor and cardiologists to understand your medical and cardiac history and your specific needs in order to provide you with optimal care.
We are proud to announce that four of our adolescent and adult congenital heart disease cardiologists - Curt Daniels, MD, May Ling Mah, MD, Sharon Roble, MD and Elisa Bradley, MD - were among the first 230 cardiologists in the country to receive ACHD Board Certification.
Curtis J. Daniels
Curt J. Daniels, MD, is Director of the Adolescent and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. He is a Professor of Clinical Cardiology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Services We Offer
Children and adolescents with heart disease are reaching adulthood and require ongoing specialized cardiovascular care. The comprehensive resources of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center combined with the expertise in congenital diseases of Nationwide Children's Hospital provide a unique depth of services for the unique and complex population of adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease. Our experts understand the natural history of congenital heart disease as well as the care after surgical or specialized transcatheter therapy.
Adult Fontan Clinic
The Adult Fontan Clinic has combined the efforts of specialists from multiple areas to provide our patients with single ventricle physiology who have undergone the Fontan procedure.
Congenital Heart Disease Transition Program
The shift for adolescents from child-centered to adult-centered care is a gradual process that The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital calls the Transition Program.
High-Risk Pregnancy & Reproductive Health
Although most women with congenital heart disease can successfully carry a pregnancy, some are at substantial risk.
Cardiac Cath Suites
The Heart Center has taken a cutting-edge leap with the opening of two hybrid cardiac suites, which combine innovations in catheterization, diagnostic and telecommunication technologies.
6 Myths About Adult Congenital Heart Disease
If you’re a teen or adult who had congenital heart disease (CHD), or a heart defect, as a child, you will need lifelong care. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is home to the leading adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) program in the country. Our experts are specially trained to care for the unique needs of teens and adults with congenital heart disease. So you can continue to lead a healthy life. And a long one.
