Cardiac malformations are the most common form of congenital (birth) abnormalities of the fetus.

About 1 in 100 children are born with congenital heart disease, while about 50-60% of these children will need some corrective intervention, mainly in childhood, to restore or improve cardiac anatomy and function. However, the vast majority of children with heart disease nowadays manage to reach adulthood in a percentage greater than 90%.

These young adults are at risk of developing arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome or transient ischemic attacks, just like the general population, while in some cases they are at increased risk when risk factors for the above coexist.

Therefore, their ultimate long-term health and survival is dependent on all factors of good cardiovascular health, as is the case for the general population. This consists of good nutrition and physical activity or organized exercise, to the extent permitted by their physician. Children who are not allowed to exercise usually become overweight with reduced endurance.

In the past there was a myth that children who had surgery for congenital heart disease were not allowed to exercise, while nowadays scientific publications have shown exactly the opposite. In particular, children and young adults with complete recovery from heart disease can even participate in championships. Correspondingly, even for patients with severe heart diseases, such as single ventricle, it is recommended to do various levels of

exercise, according to medical instructions, as activity has been found to improve heart function, lower blood pressure and improve quality of life and life expectancy.

Therefore, every child with congenital heart disease should be encouraged to do gymnastics at school, but also as an extracurricular activity, according to the instructions of the pediatric cardiologist.

For this reason, the European Society of Pediatric Cardiology has issued guidelines on recommended levels of exercise for various congenital heart diseases and recommends 60 minutes of moderate-level exercise daily. This consultation must now be done as a routine during the periodic e-examination of the child by the Pediatric Cardiologist, as the foundations for a healthy lifestyle are laid early in childhood.

Exceptions to the above are patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, abnormalities of the coronary vessels, arrhythmic diseases, cardiomyopathies, etc. diseases for which individual advice should be given.