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Congenital Heart Disease and the Athlete: What We Know and What We Do Not Know
Peter N Dean1, Robert W Battle2
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, 1204 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Insights
Most adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) can now participate in competitive sports. However, practitioners must individualize recommendations, considering guideline gaps and athlete collaboration for informed decisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Improved outcomes in congenital heart disease (CHD) lead to more adult survivors.
- Increased prevalence of adult CHD necessitates clear guidance on sports participation.
- Existing guidelines from AHA/ACC and ESC offer frameworks for decision-making.
Observation:
- Practitioners face dilemmas regarding competitive sports for adult CHD patients.
- Guidelines provide a foundation but have limitations and literature gaps.
- Individualized patient assessment is crucial beyond general recommendations.
Findings:
- No single guideline covers all scenarios for adult CHD and sports.
- A collaborative approach between physicians and athletes is essential.
- Decisions on sports participation have significant implications for patient well-being.
Implications:
- Encourages personalized medical advice for adult CHD athletes.
- Highlights the need for ongoing research to fill guideline gaps.
- Promotes shared decision-making in managing CHD patients in sports.
Abstract:
Since outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have greatly improved, most patients with CHD are surviving into adulthood and creating dilemmas for practitioners with regard to competitive sports participation. Much time, effort, and expertise have gone into developing the new American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology's guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology's guidelines. Practitioners should consult the guidelines but also be aware of gaps in the literature and should individualize recommendations for each patient. Both participation and restriction decisions should be made thoughtfully and collaboratively with athletes as either decision carries important consequences."
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