Benefits of Exercise in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Benefits of Exercise in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

In this modern era we are well aware of the benefits of exercise and medical practitioners encourage us to include some kind of physical activity in our daily routine, even if someone diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Several studies have shown that moderate exercise is safe as well as beneficial for patients suffering from complex diseases.

Usually parents of children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), are concerned about how much physical activity should be considered safe for their child. Few diagnoses such as risk of ventricular arrhythmia justify activity restrictions but for most moderate levels of physical activities should be encouraged. Physical activity has been known to ensure regular development in both healthy as well as chronically ill children.

There are numerous benefits of physical exercise in patients with moderate forms of CHD such as:

  • Well-described physiological improvements in skeletal muscle function, vascular health, immune system function.
  • Health risks associated by following a sedentary lifestyle including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression can be kept at bay by following the recommended levels of physical activity. Get a specific exercise plan chalked out for your child from the pediatrician.
  • The quality of life of children suffering from CHD can be improved by including functional independence.
  • Physically active children and adolescents have lower blood pressure levels, higher bone density and decreased adiposity compared to their sedentary counterparts.

Children with minimal cardiovascular defects and those who have undergone successful surgery can be encouraged to lead an active life. Exercise training in such children will improve their exercise capacity. In serious forms of CHD strenuous exercise should be avoided. Exercising should be a pleasant experience for the children as well as the parents, never force it on your child. Always consult your pediatrician before you decide on an exercise routine for your children.