Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children with Heart Disease and Dysrhythmias

Physical activity is important for the normal development of a child. Exercise increases functional capacity and decreases myocardial oxygen demand in children with heart disease. There are relatively few heart disease that have been associated with sudden death during exercise. The exercise status of children with heart disease needs careful consideration. Children with heart disease need an individualized exercise recommendation based on factors such as severity of heart disease; type, intensity and duration of physical activity the patient wants to participate in. The effect of exercise on the heart and recommendations regarding exercise in patients with congenital heart diseases, acquired valvular diseases, systemic hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias were reviewed in this article.