Increasing numbers of children and young people require anticoagulant therapy for congenital heart disease. A self-report, semi structured questionnaire was used to investigate the impact of this treatment on 30 children and their families who attend one regional centre. Problems identified included absence from school, stress from frequent venesection, travelling expenses and time off work for parents. Although reliance upon the hospital system leading to loss of independence was seen as a problem for some, two parents reported advantages in having the opportunity to visit the hospital and obtain support when required.