Evaluación física y rehabilitación cardiovascular en niños con patología cardíaca

Abstract

Due to advances in diagnostic procedures and surgi-cal results life expectancy of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased significantly. In our hospital- a national reference center- operative mortality has decreased from 8.1% in 2000 to 4.7% in 2010. However, quality of life of these children has not improved accordingly. A significant factor which may account for this effect is the absence of physical activity and rehabilitation programs. Existing evidence points out to an increase in peak oxygen consumption, tolerance to physical exertion and a lower rate of re-hospitalizations. Herein we review methods to evaluate physical condition in children, the current evidence supporting rehabilitation programs and the recommen-dations for physical activity in children with CHD.