Lifestyle and exercise

Specialist Cardiac Physiotherapist

Our Specialist Physiotherapist works with the Cardiac Specialist Nurses and Cardiologists to provide help and advice on all physical activities for children and young people with congenital heart conditions. The physiotherapist may be able to advise you:

If you have difficulty with physical activities at school or if you would like some advice on PE
If you need to limit or avoid activities
to help you achieve the level of fitness most appropriate for your condition
Help children get back to activity/exercise after heart surgery

Development information

As children grow, they develop different motor and social skills. There are different milestones we can expect children to achieve, such as sitting and walking. It is important to: encourage your child to experience different positions to continue to develop their gross motor, fine motor, and social skills.

For 6 weeks following surgery your child should avoid ‘tummy time’ or crawling. We acknowledge that it can be difficult to stop your child rolling onto their tummy or crawling but where possible, please limit to allow the surgical site to heal.

Specialist Physiotherapist FAQs

Absolutely, in fact they should be encouraged to participate in exercise. Current guidelines recommend that children should participate in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity daily.

Yes they can. Children with CHD should not be made to feel different during PE lessons and should be included wherever possible. Children with CHD should have a physical activity recommendation plan which will outline if there are any limitations to exercise.

There are things to be aware of with exercise and CHD children should be allowed to self-limit their exertion and should have plenty of opportunity to rehydrate although it is good to become slightly out of breath. They should still be able to complete a sentence when exercising. Also take into consideration weather conditions and appropriate clothing. Activity restrictions depend on the exact nature of the child’s heart condition.

The most common restrictions are:
• Activities with a moderate to high risk of impact or injury or contact sports
• Competitive sport
• Activities requiring strenuous exertion

Talk to the Specialist Physiotherapist if you’re not sure.

Children with CHD are usually very aware of their own limitations. They should rest with the following signs and symptoms:
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty speaking due to breathlessness
• Complaining of palpitations or feeling of heart pounding/fluttering or beating irregularly
• Becoming pale and clammy
• Severe tiredness or fatigue.

If these symptims persist – SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!

Diet

Generally, children with heart problems do not have to follow a special diet and like all children should eat well balanced meals including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eating a good variety and balance of foods and taking regular exercise gives your child the best chance of being fitter and healthier.

Travel information

Most people with congenital heart disease can and do fly/travel long distances around the world. If you are unsure ask at your outpatient appointment or contact the Children’s Cardiac Nurse Specialists. The most important point to remember is to ensure that you declare your heart condition when booking travel insurance. Any omissions or mistakes made in relation to your medical condition can be used as grounds to refuse your claim if made.

Useful links

Physical activity for early years: birth to 5 years

Physical activity for children and young people: 5 to 18 years

If you would like further information about the effects of exercise on a child or young person with a heart condition, please contact: Sarah Hibbert (Specialist Cardiac Physiotherapist) at [email protected]