Bridging the gap from clinics to sports for children with congenital heart diseases: The HEART GAMES project

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. It is characterised by a congenital malformation of the walls of the heart, valves or blood vessels, identifiable at birth or during intrauterine life. One of the main problems of people with CHD is physical inactivity. Indeed, physical inactivity leads to and increases negative health outcomes and the development of other chronic diseases and comorbidities: obesity, cardiovascular risk, social isolation and low life expectancy. Restrictions on exercise due to legal issues for sports competitions, overprotection by parents and physician and lack of specific facilities increase the low level of physical activity. The aim of this project is to increase the medical prescription of exercise and the level of physical activity of patients by providing inclusive and integrated care pathways, linking the clinical setting with the territory. The project is based on the indications provided by the ESC guidelines and the latest scientific evidence in the literature. The research focused on physical exercise in the paediatric population with CHD, with a particular focus on the age 12-18 years. After preliminary documentation, the development ideas of the project were combined with the territorial needs, adapting to the medical care system of the participating country. In addition to Italy, the promoter country of the programme, three other countries and several organisations at European and national level participated in the project. The drafting of the work plan succeeded in filling most of the gaps highlighted in the research phase. Furthermore, the creation of a flexible model allowed the project to be easily adaptable and to enhance the area in which it will be developed. Heart Games is a pilot project that seeks to address existing needs, requirements and gaps in the field of congenital heart disease and exercise in young people through innovative practices and the promotion of physical activity as a means of achieving physical and mental well-being. The project also seeks to be sustainable in future years in all its activities, continuing to exist within society even after its conclusion.