Evaluation and recommendations for participation in athletics for children with heart disease

Physical fitness is becoming increasingly emphasized in our society. Everyone is encouraged to participate in routine exercise, and many desire to compete in organized athletics. Patients with heart disease are living longer, healthier lives and may also desire sports participation. Because selected patients may be at risk for sudden death, a thorough evaluation should be performed. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with basic principles of exercise physiology and preparticipation evaluation and to provide a guideline to recommending athletic involvement in patients with heart disease.