Young Investigators Award 2008 goes to the Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects

Dr. Matthäus Vigl from the Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects is 2008’s winner of the Young Investigators Award. The price was conferred upon him on the 29th of February 2008 during the AEPC Psychosocial Work Group’s Symposium held in Bruges. Since 2006 the Young Investigators Award acknowledges young scientists dedicated to research concerning the psychosocial aspects of congenital heart defects.

Dr. Vigl was granted the Award for a study regarding the reproductive health of women affected by congenital heart defects. The study included 540 women from the German Heart Centres in Berlin and Munich and focused on the relationship between congenital heart defects and different reproductive health-related issues. It demonstrated that heart defects may affect menarche and the menstrual cycle. In particular it was observed that, while menstruating and during sexual activity, women in functional classes III & IV suffer from aggravated symptoms related to their heart defects. Dr. Vigl also underlined how “further attention should be drawn to the various side effects of contraceptive methods and the higher risk born by a portion of patients in case of pregnancy”. The study also pointed out to the insufficient counselling provided with regards to contraception, with 43% of the women obtaining no information around this topic from their treating physicians.

“The scientific quality at the present meeting was excellent”, said Professor Dr. Henri A. Verhaaren from Gent’s University Clinic, who also praised the congress’ presentations: “I hope the Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects will foster the holistic approach to medicine”.