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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for exercise in adults with CHD: a data-based questionnaire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2021

Sophie E. Thompson Open the ORCID record for Sophie E. Thompson [Opens in a new window] ,
Caitlin A. Whitehead ,
Alex S. Notley ,
Isabel A. Guy ,
Chethan R. Kasargod Prabhakar ,
Paul Clift Open the ORCID record for Paul Clift [Opens in a new window]  and
Lucy E. Hudsmith
Sophie E. Thompson*
Affiliation:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Caitlin A. Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
Alex S. Notley
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
Isabel A. Guy
Affiliation:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Chethan R. Kasargod Prabhakar
Affiliation:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Paul Clift
Affiliation:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Lucy E. Hudsmith
Affiliation:
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Sophie E. Thompson, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, BirminghamB15 2TH, UK. Tel: +44 777 214 6066. E-mail: sophie.thompson31@nhs.net
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Abstract

Introduction:

Regular physical activity is safe and effective therapy for adults with CHD and is recommended by European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to healthcare teams and patients when ensuring guideline compliance. We explored the implications of COVID-19 on physical activity levels in adult CHD patients.

Materials and methods:

A data-based questionnaire was distributed to adult CHD patients at a regional tertiary centre from October to November 2020.

Results:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 96 (79.3%) of 125 respondents reported participating in regular physical activity, with 66 (52.8%) meeting target levels (moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week). Commonest motivations for physical activity were general fitness (53.6%), weight loss (36.0%), and mental health benefits (30.4%). During the pandemic, the proportion that met target levels significantly decreased from 52.8% to 40.8% (p = 0.03). The commonest reason was fear of COVID-19 (28.0%), followed by loss of motivation (23.2%) and gym/fitness centre closure (15.2%).

Discussion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted exercise levels of adult CHD patients. Most do not meet recommended physical activity levels, mainly attributable to fear of COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, only half of respondents met physical activity guidelines. Availability of online classes can positively impact exercise levels so could enhance guideline compliance. This insight into health perceptions and behaviours of adult CHD patients may help develop quality improvement initiatives to improve physical activity levels in this population.

Keywords

CHDexerciseCOVID-19
Type
Original Article
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 32 , Issue 2 , February 2022 , pp. 270 - 275
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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