Document Overview

Document Title

Physical Activity in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies

Authoring Society

American Heart Association

Document Publication Date

Apr 23, 2026

Page Last Reviewed/Updated

Apr 27, 2026

Document Type

Consensus

Country of Publication

United States

Full Text Freely Available

Yes

Full Text Guideline

www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001431

Source Citation

Edelson JB, Baker-Smith CM, Cifra B, Cousino M, Day SM, Drezner JA, Dubin AM, Gates C, White DA, Conway J; Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplantation Committee of the Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. Physical Activity in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies: Moving for Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2026 Apr 23. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001431. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42021760.

Document Scope, Criteria, and Use Cases

Document Objectives

Physical activity (PA) is essential for the cardiovascular, emotional, and social health of all children and adolescents. However, for pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy, decades of risk-averse clinical guidance have resulted in widespread PA restriction due to fears of sudden cardiac death and disease progression. This has contributed to sedentary behavior, poor cardiorespiratory fitness, and increased risk of secondary cardiometabolic conditions in this population. However, emerging data challenge this restrictive paradigm, showing that the risk of sudden cardiac death may not be higher in some patients with cardiomyopathy who exercise than in those who are less active, and that participation in PA may also have a positive effect on reverse remodeling. This American Heart Association scientific statement provides an evidence-based framework for the promotion of PA in pediatric patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, as well as those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators; outlines the physical, social, and emotional benefits of PA for these children and adolescents; and provides updated risk stratification strategies, including the use of advanced imaging, exercise testing, and genotype-specific data. This scientific statement underscores the importance of shared decision-making tailored to developmental maturity and family goals and emphasizes the need for longitudinal surveillance as clinical phenotypes evolve. With individualized assessment and informed shared decision-making, most children and adolescents with cardiomyopathy can safely engage in PA, with important implications for long-term cardiometabolic and psychologic health.

Scope

Management

Keywords

cardiomyopathies, physical activity

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Outpatient, School

Intended Users

Athletics Coaching, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Physician Assistant