Exercise and physical activity

Exercise

Physical exercise should be a regular part of everybody’s daily life and patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are not an exemption to this fundamental principle. The benefits of exercise for CHD patients within reason outweigh any perceived risks. Physical activity improves health, exercise tolerance and quality of life. Exercise training is, for most patients, a high-benefit/low-risk intervention.

Exercise is not only important for your physical health, it can also have a positive impact on and improve mental well-being, sleep, stress and anxiety. Exercise should be introduced to patients with CHD and their families early in life, so as to become routine.  

Patients with CHD have, in the past, been asked to restrict physical activity, often on medical advice as a way to protect themselves. But the sedentary lifestyle associated with self-protection also leads to a decline in physical activity and puts them at risk of early cardiovascular and other diseases. So on balance, daily exercise is a great investment to pursue for life for all. 

Most people will want to strive for 30–45 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise two to three times a week, alongside muscle strengthening exercises at least twice a week. Supplementing these days with activities such as walking or cycling (outdoors or on a stationary bike) is a good thing to do. 

However, there are a few exceptions. For example, it is advised that a patient with an enlarged aorta (a major artery in the body) does not engage in strenuous activities, such as those that involve straining or grunting - like heavy weight lifting which can cause extreme elevations in blood pressure, or activities that carry a high risk of bleeding (especially if you are on medication that reduces your blood's clotting ability). Additionally, any contact sports that could cause direct trauma to the chest should be avoided. 

Therefore, it is best to discuss with your cardiologist or clinical nurse specialist so the advice is personalised for your specific heart condition and according to any changes in your clinical condition. Your health care professionals may want to carry out some tests such as an exercise test on a treadmill or bike, a Six-minute Walk Test or an echocardiogram beforehand.