Exercise in People with Congenital Heart Defects
Ages 3 - 24 Years
Most people with congenital heart defects (CHDs) can exercise safely, and cardiologists recommend that most people with heart defects exercise regularly. Regular exercise can increase quality of life by helping people feel better both physically and emotionally, and giving people outlets to connect with peers.
In this section
Physical Benefits of Exercise
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
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Social and Emotional Benefits of Exercise
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
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Barriers to Exercise
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
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Starting or Increasing Exercise Safely
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.
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Thriving, Not Just Surviving
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.
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