Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common type of birth defect, but thanks to advanced research in the area of pediatric cardiology, more babies than ever with CHD are living to adulthood. According to the most recent statistics, there are currently 1.4 million adults in the United States living with CHD. Even though many adults are living relatively healthy lives, those born with severe defects and who have undergone open heart surgery need to take extra precaution when it comes to their health.

Here are three ways adults with congenital heart defects can stay healthy.

Get the Necessary Immunizations

Most adults with CHD had their immunizations as a baby, but it's important for them to get them as an adult as well. This is due to the fact that many viruses can be fatal for those with underlying medical conditions.

Some of the most important immunizations include:

• Seasonal flu vaccination
• Tetanus and diphtheria booster (every 10 years)
• Pneumonia vaccination

Adults with CHD who are between 50 and 60 years old and have had the chicken pox should also get the shingles vaccination. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Dino Peds.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings

Adults with CHD should also be sure to get regular dental cleanings. This is due to the fact that gum disease may cause bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which can end up causing more problems with the heart.

Adults with certain defects may have to take antibiotics before having any work on their teeth done. This is especially true for heart patients who have an artificial heart valve or other type of valve defect. Some cardiologists recommend any adult with CHD to take antibiotics before getting dental work done. Doing so can help prevent endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the chambers and valves in the heart.

Get Some Exercise and Eat Right

This good advice for anyone, but for adults with CHD, exercising and eating right can help keep their heart as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Some heart patients who are in heart failure might have a difficult time exercising, so it's important for them to talk to their cardiologist about what types of exercises they are able to do.

Adults with CHD should also eat lots of heart-healthy food including:

• Salmon
• Oatmeal
• Nuts
• Green vegetables
• Avocado

Getting some exercise and eating right not only helps adults with CHD to feel good, it can also boost their immune system and help prevent them from getting sick, as viruses and bacteria can be detrimental to a fragile heart.