Can children with pre-existing heart disease take physical education classes?

  Because most parents and teachers do not know much about congenital heart disease, most children with congenital heart disease are restricted from participating in physical activity. In fact, this approach is incorrect.  A certain amount of sports exercise is good for the heart, and the heart output is 4-5 times higher than usual during strenuous exercise. Children with asymptomatic non-cyanotic precocious heart disease can attend physical education classes as usual without restricting recreational and competitive sports. This is because overly restricting the activities of these children not only affects their physical development, but also increases the psychological burden on parents and children. The more suitable sports for them are running, jumping rope or jumping rubber band, playing shuttlecock, playing table tennis, practicing gymnastics, etc., but still should not participate in strenuous sports such as basketball, soccer, swimming, etc., to avoid excessive fatigue.  Children with cyanotic precardiac disease (e.g., tetralogy of Fallot) and severe heart disease should usually limit the amount of exercise, and only choose less strenuous exercise, as long as they are competent in daily life, and try to avoid increasing the burden on the heart. Children with precardiac disease should stop exercising immediately if symptoms such as chest tightness, dizziness, pallor, difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure occur during exercise and seek medical attention from a cardiologist as soon as possible.  However, since children have different individual standards, it is best for parents to consult a cardiac surgeon before deciding whether their child with congenital heart disease can participate in sports activities.