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Exercise Participation for Patients with Valvular Heart Disease: a Review of the Current Guidelines

  • Valvular Heart Disease (TL Kiefer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Valvular heart disease affects many individuals who aspire to partake in competitive or recreational sports. This manuscript reviews the most recent European and American guidelines related to exercise and sport participation in individuals with valvular heart disease (VHD) and identifies areas not addressed by these guidelines.

Recent Findings

Exercise recommendations for individuals with VHD have been presented since at least 1984. There is limited data on the impact of intensive physical activity on the progression and outcomes of VHD. Therefore, current recommendations are based on consensus opinion. Most recent consensus guidelines address exercise participation in young and active older individuals.

Summary

Exercise guidelines for patients with VHD have become progressively less restrictive to allow exercise participation for many VHD patients. These more progressive recommendations should be included in clinical decision-making when evaluating physical activity levels for athletes and active adults with VHD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT, 06102, USA

    Antonio B. Fernandez & Paul D. Thompson

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA

    Antonio B. Fernandez & Paul D. Thompson

  3. Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT, 06102, USA

    Antonio B. Fernandez

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Correspondence to Antonio B. Fernandez.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Valvular Heart Disease

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Fernandez, A.B., Thompson, P.D. Exercise Participation for Patients with Valvular Heart Disease: a Review of the Current Guidelines. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 49 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01480-9

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