Down's Heart Group is a UK registered charity offering support and information to individuals, families and caregivers relating to heart conditions associated with Down syndrome.
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History
Founded in 1988 by Linda Walsh with the assistance of other parents who felt there was a need for a specialised support group, DHG became a registered charity in 1992 and has continued to develop and grow according to the needs of its membership. Although UK based, the Group has contact with Down syndrome and congenital heart defect groups across the world, many of whom use and translate DHG's information sheets.
Down syndrome and heart disease
About 47% of babies born with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects, but with today's advances in treatment most babies can have corrective surgery (usually within the first six months of life) with good outcomes. For the few with more complex defects and those older individuals for whom surgery was not an option, a heart-lung transplant is the only alternative, but there are new drug treatments being developed which are showing promising results.
Services
The charity provides: