Children's Cardiology Insights

Heart Warriors Can Still Get into the Game

Can Kids with Heart Conditions Play Sports?

Sports can be an important part of childhood, and being active is recommended for all kids to promote heart health, reduce obesity, improve mental health, and encourage social connection. One of the most common questions families ask after a congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis is, “Will my child be able to play sports?”

According to Glen Iannucci, MD, Director of the Aorta and Vascular Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology, many children with CHD can participate in sports at various levels with little or no restriction—depending on the severity of their condition.

Sports Safety and Screening for Kids with Heart Conditions

The American Heart Association (AHA) provides guidelines to help healthcare providers assess a child’s heart health and recommend safe activity levels based on the type of heart defect and any residual issues after repair.

For example, certain conditions like dilated blood vessels or aneurysms may limit contact sports or heavy weightlifting, but cross country or swimming could be excellent options.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also publishes Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) forms—used by most Georgia schools—to identify potential “red flags” for heart disease, such as:

  • Chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Family history of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), drowning, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

If a heart condition prevents a child from playing competitively, families can explore other ways to stay involved—such as coaching younger teams or becoming a referee.

Project S.A.V.E.: Preparing Schools to Respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

“Our first line of defense is to identify people before they have trouble on the field,” said Dr. Iannucci. “Our second line of defense is to have an emergency plan in place at schools and sports venues and train people how to respond quickly to sudden cardiac arrest with CPR and having an AED onsite.”

That’s where Project S.A.V.E., founded by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in 2004, makes a difference. The program provides CPR and AED training to Georgia schools, athletic leagues, and community centers.

When sudden cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital, survival rates are around 10%. But in Georgia schools participating in Project S.A.V.E., survival rates jump to 80%.

For more information about Project S.A.V.E. or to arrange a free consultation for your school or organization, contact Richard Lamphier, Clinical Program Manager of Project S.A.V.E., at 404-785-7201 or richard.lamphier@choa.org.

Project S.A.V.E. is an affiliate of Project ADAM, a program of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

For more information about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and our pediatric cardiology specialists, click here.

 

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