As the parent of a child or as an adult with congenital heart disease, you may have questions about the safety of physical activities. This is an important topic to discuss with your treating physician. There are no “one-size-fits-all” recommendations.
Congenital heart disease isn’t just one form of disease. It’s a medical term that describes a wide variety of cardiac defects that are present at birth and that can range from very mild to immediately life threatening at birth. They may be diagnosed in utero (before birth), at birth, during childhood, or even in adulthood. In general, most patients with congenital heart disease that has been completely or partially corrected through surgery and/or an interventional procedure will benefit from exercise.
A report from leading physician groups, “Eligibility Recommendations for Competitive Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities,” summarizes the current recommendations for physical activity for those with heart conditions.
We invite you to follow these links to find information that may help you start a conversation with your treating physician about what level and types of physical activity may be right for you or your child.