Promoting Physical Activity in Congenital Heart Disease Patients

This post was authored by Robert Beekman, MD, FACC, chair-elect of the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Section Leadership Council. A new scientific statement recently published in Circulation points out that children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) need physical activity as much as individuals who do not have heart disease. The statement lays out the rationale for increased physical activity in persons with CHD and guidelines to help direct clinicians in their exercise recommendations. The statement, authored by Patricia Longmuir, PhD, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and colleagues, explains that there is almost no research on physical activity in populations with CHD, but there are clear physical and psychosocial benefits gained from increased physical activity in groups in which activity has been studied. With the possible exception of some individuals with rhythm disorders or severe LV outflow obstruction, there is no indication in the literature that recreational physical activity among CHD patients should be restricted. At the same time, many CHD patients are relatively sedentary and at risk for exercise intolerance, obesity and psychosocial morbidities. Encouraging patients to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity can improve their overall medical condition and quality of life. However, health care professionals must tailor exercise recommendations to each patient’s clinical status. Competitive sports may or may not be...
Source: ACC in Touch Blog - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Clinical Topics Special Topics Source Type: blogs