Exercise, prescription and training in ACHD

Abstract

The number of adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is steadily increasing and exceeds nowadays the number of children with CHD. This is due to significant advances in therapeutic possibilities that became available over the last four decades. As such, this aging population survives the CHD complications and is exposed to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors for atherosclerotic disease such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, long-standing exposure to smoking, overweight and obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Consequently, it becomes important to put more emphasis on all these risk factors. A preventive strategy is central, and early encouragement of physical activity is part of this approach. A minimum of physical activity has a beneficial effect both physically and mentally. With this overview, we mainly want to emphasize the importance of preventive measures. We would like to emphasize that all individuals should receive an exercise prescription which adheres to the minimum recommendations by WHO/NICE and this advice should form the baseline. Moreover, we intend to show that physical activity can be done safely in patients with CHD and that recreational and competitive sports are feasible in many circumstances.