Cardiopulmonary Function and Exercise Capacity in Adolescents with Ventricular Septal Defect

Abstract

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common defect (50%) among children diagnosed with pediatric congenital heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the differences of cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity between normal adolescents and adolescents with VSDs. A cardiopulmonary exercise stress test was performed for the experimental subjects (n = 45) and control subjects (n = 44). The results of the pulmonary function test showed no variation on forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Neither statistical differences in maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) nor FEV1/FVC were noticed. In contrast, healthy participants showed significantly higher maximum heart rate compared to adolescents with VSDs, but no significant differences were found in maximal METs and maximal systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, adolescents with VSDs have a normal cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity, despite a mild chronotropic limitation. We recommend adolescents with VSDs should be encouraged as receive appropriate exercise training, and can participate in sports competitions in order to enhance the quality of life in the future.