Pediatric Sports Cardiology: An Emerging Field
Sports cardiology is often viewed as an adult domain, but it is crucial for pediatric cardiology practitioners to understand it.
Data indicates that 60% to 70% of middle and high school students engage in organized sports, with more participating in non-organized sports.
Parents frequently inquire about their child's future sports participation and physical activity restrictions, even during fetal cardiology consultations or in the newborn period.
Restricting physical activity has significant long-term implications, affecting social-emotional development and healthy lifestyle habits that extend into adulthood.
Author's summary: Pediatric sports cardiology is a critical emerging field.