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Pediatric heart expert offers 5 tips for safe sports participation
By Cleveland Clinic
It’s a parent’s nightmare. A young athlete suddenly collapses during a sporting event.
Fortunately, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiologist Kenneth Zahka, MD, says most children with normal hearts can exercise safely, as long as they practice common sense. “Athletes can get into trouble when they don’t recognize their own limitations or don’t pay attention to their bodies,” says Dr. Zahka. “Fortunately, a pre-participation sports physical that includes the Ohio School Sports screening questionnaire, focusing on a family history of genetic cardiac problems and any symptoms, will pick up most problems before they occur.”
Pay attention to hydration and heat loading.
“It is easy to become overheated, and young athletes often forget to drink or to drink enough,” he says.
Improve conditioning.
After puberty, exercise capacity can be increased up to 20 percent by performing aerobic activity five times a week for 30 minutes, using interval or steady-state training. Add strength training for muscle-building and weight control. “Heart rate monitors can help guide the conditioning program,” says Dr. Zahka. “Once you know your maximum heart rate, you can push your workout safely to make progress.”
Listen to your body.
Stop exercising if you experience symptoms of dizziness or have trouble breathing. “You may not have a fundamental heart or lung problem, but you are exceeding your ability to perform that day under those conditions,” says Dr. Zahka. “Also, do not exercise or play sports when you have the flu.”
Stay fit.
Fitness is a habit that will benefit heart health over the long run. “Fitness, like learning, is a lifelong process,” Dr. Zahka says. “As parents, our goal should be to instill the joy of fitness and to promote safe fitness.”
If chest pain occurs, call the doctor.
Some congenital heart conditions may become evident only during exercise, so any child who suffers chest pain with exercise should see a doctor. “It’s not terribly unusual for cross-country runners and other athletes to pass out at the end of exercise because they have pushed too hard,” says Dr. Zahka. “It is rare they have a heart problem, but they need to be examined.”
Cleveland Clinic has the largest pediatric cardiology practice in northern Ohio, with access for appointments at convenient locations throughout the community. Please call 216.445.5015 to make an appointment or for more information.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please go to the Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center at www.clevelandclinic.org/health.
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