Physical activity in patients with repaired and unrepaired congenital heart diseases. Task Force for exercise prescription in patients with congenital heart disease of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Regular physical activity is essential for physical health and mental wellbeing in children and teenagers. However, patients with congenital heart disease are often restricted from being physically active due to parental overprotection and lack of physical activity promotion or exercise prescription from their physicians. A comprehensive medical evaluation is crucial for the development of personalized exercise programs for these patients. The aim of this review is to provide physicians with a practical guide on how to promote physical activity and prescribe exercise for patients with congenital heart disease with or without surgical correction.