Physical Activity Promotion in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: Are We Running Late?

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
Jessica E CateriniBarbara Cifra

Abstract

Low levels of habitual physical activity in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) leads to various negative health outcomes, yet review of the literature indicates that many physicians, caregivers, and patients restrict physical activity owing to safety concerns. There is no evidence supporting absolute restriction of physical activity in pediatric patients with CHD; in fact, physically active lifestyles are as important for pediatric patients living with CHD as for the general population. To encourage long-term maintenance of physically active lifestyles, physical activity counselling and exercise prescription should be started early in childhood and be a core component of every patient encounter. Physical activity counselling should include clear messaging from physicians about recommended physical activities-not just restrictions-and a personalised written exercise prescription for the patient and family. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure adherence to recommendations, monitor patient responses to the increased physical activity level, and long-term surveillance. This review discusses the importance of a physically active lifestyle in children and adolescents with and without surgically repaired ...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 31, 2021·European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery·Samuel G Wittekind, Andrew Redington

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