Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with Down syndrome. Congenital heart disease is the most common cardiovascular condition in this group, present in up to 50% of people with Down syndrome and contributing to poor outcomes. Additional factors contributing to cardiovascular outcomes include pulmonary hypertension, co-existent pulmonary, endocrine, and metabolic diseases, and risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, disparities in the cardiovascular care of people with Down syndrome compared with the general population, which vary across different geographies and healthcare systems, further contribute to cardiovascular mortality; this issue is often overlooked by the wider medical community.
This review focuses on the diagnosis, prevalence and management of cardiovascular disease encountered in people with Down syndrome. Specifically, this article seeks to summarize available evidence in 10 key areas relating to Down syndrome and cardiac disease, from prenatal diagnosis to disparities in care in areas of differing resource availability. All specialists and non-specialist clinicians providing care for people with Down syndrome should be aware of best clinical practice in all aspects of care of this distinct population.