Exercise Habits and BMI in Pediatric Patients with Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Arteries

Background: Exercise habits are unknown in pediatric patients with anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries (AAOCA). In this study, we aim to identify differences in exercise habits and their relationship to BMI and other demographic factors in pediatric patients with AAOCA. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study of 573 patients with AAOCA (mean age = 10.5 years, SD 6.3, 63% males) was conducted. Exercise habits were classified as recreational or organized/competitive. BMI percentiles were stratified as normal (5th to ≤85th), overweight (85th to ≤95th), and obese (≥95th). Exercise habits and BMI were compared by demographic factors, presence of ischemia, and surgery status. Means were compared using two-tailed t-tests and multivariate linear regression with a false discovery rate correction. χ² tests were used for categorical variables. Results: Nearly two-thirds (63.5%) of patients exercise recreationally, and 35% of the total cohort are overweight or obese (BMI > 85th%ile). Those who exercise competitively (29%) were more likely to have had surgery (24% vs. 15%, p = 0.019) and less likely to be exercise-restricted (3% vs. 8.5% p = 0.018). BMI in right-AAOCA is significantly elevated compared to left-AAOCA (63.1 vs. 53.1 percentile, p = 0.018). There was no difference in BMI percentile in those restricted from exercise or in those who exercised competitively. BMI and exercise habits are unrelated to ischemia, AAOCA subtype, exercise habits or restriction on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: One-third of AAOCA patients are overweight or obese, and BMI is not associated with exercise habits in this cohort. Surgical patients were more likely to exercise competitively, and this may have implications for personal choices to engage in exercise. Future studies are needed to determine optimal exercise recommendations to promote active lifestyles while minimizing the risk of sudden death.