Exercise in People with Congenital Heart Defects

Among most people with heart defects, safe, regular exercise and reduced sedentary time can lead to physical benefits such as:

• better lung capacity

• better blood pressure

• better functioning of the immune system

• healthier arteries and veins

• stronger muscles

• more flexibility

In additional to physical benefits, safe and regular exercise plus reduced sedentary time can lead to social, cognitive, and emotional benefits such as:

• improved mood

• reduced anxiety

• improved body image

• improved self-esteem

• better attention

• better processing speed

• more flexible thinking

Despite the overwhelming and wide-reaching benefits of increased activity and exercise, most people with heart defects do not get as much exercise as their cardiologists recommend.

There are many different reasons why a person with a heart defect might not exercise.

For example, they might:

• be unsure if and how they can exercise safely

• be scared when they feel their heart rate increase

• get tired easily

• feel like they are not good at exercise

• have trouble socially connecting with peers who exercise a lot

• be ashamed of their body and not want to focus on it or draw attention to it

• not find an exercise that they enjoy

• not have a safe and appealing place to exercise

• not know how to accommodate physical limitations during exercise

• not be able to pay for exercise options in their area

• often feel sick

• feel embarrassed when people see them exercise

• have a busy schedule and not know how to fit in exercise

Although there can be many barriers to exercising, intervention and support can help people with heart defects to establish an exercise routine that works for them.

Here are some ideas to help:

• First, families should talk with their cardiologist, plus any other medical specialists on their care team. They should make sure everyone understands any exercise restrictions, how and how much the person should exercise, and any signs that the person should stop exercising.

• Families can ask if their hospital has a cardiac fitness program, or any other service that could help them to safely develop an exercise routine. If the hospital does not have a program, families can ask them to recommend services in the community.

• Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) services can help many people exercise safely, comfortably, and happily. Families can seek these services in the hospital, through a school district, or in an outpatient clinic.

• If a person has no limitations on exercise, they can start small, with enjoyable and achievable goals, and gradually increase their activity. They can explore a wide range of exercise options until they find something they enjoy. For many people, exercising with other people is key to enjoying what they do!

• If a person is afraid to exercise, or if body image or social anxiety are barriers to exercise, psychotherapy can help overcome these obstacles. Families can talk to their doctor or cardiac neurodevelopmental program for ideas about therapists in their community.

• Most communities have exercise programs for people of all ages who have developmental and/or physical disabilities. Families can ask their doctor for recommendations in their area.

Heart defects can affect a person's health and functioning over the course of their whole life. Setting a good exercise routine early can help people to thrive through their childhood, teen years, and well into adulthood.

This content was reviewed by a cardiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Developmental care is best when it is local. Families local to Boston can receive care from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (CNP) and/or the Cardiac Fitness Program. Families from other regions can use the link below to find their local care team.