Research News analyse the potential impact of exercise. We know that when we do physical activity we put additional stress on the heart – which normally is good for us. But strenuous exercise can also cause a widening of the heart muscle or the aorta, and as such, researchers often hypothesise that in some people with an underlying heart condition (such as valvular heart disease) this could be exacerbated by very high levels exercise. In the first instance, we wanted to review the literature available, looking at various studies amongst both athletes and the general public to assess the effects of both exercise and that of a more sedentary lifestyle. And, it’s important to note that as part of this research review, we looked at European Guidelines (all comprising 3-4 multi centre studies), so it was a thorough and comprehensive project. Generally, how people who have been diagnosed with Valvular Heart Disease (VHD) living with heart conditions know what a ‘safe’ and recommended level of exercise and physical activity is? The good news is that, by and large, all individuals with mild to moderate valvular heart disease (whether ‘leaky’ or causing a ‘stiffening’ of the valve’) can still exercise without restrictions. Although, of course there are caveats if any new symptoms appear and we would always suggest seeking the advice of your doctor or cardiologist for further assessment. In cases where VHD has been deemed ‘severe’, then it is more than likely that an athlete (or individuals who regularly train at a high level) would be advised to refrain from professional sport and so-called strenuous activity.
If, however, a patient with severe VHD remains symptomless and has undergone an evaluation from their healthcare professional, with ongoing monitoring (e.g. to determine normal heart rhythms, no increase in blood pressure) then low to moderate physical activity is still encouraged and normally considered safe. What other conclusions did you draw from this important research review? Overall, we were reassured by these findings and the fact they aligned with our current understanding and recommendations for ‘safe exercise levels’ in those people living with VHD. However, what was interesting – and perhaps a cause for some concern – was the fact we also ‘uncovered’ a general lack of data and research looking at VHD in young people and its impact on lifestyle and exercise considerations. So much of the research carried out globally to date (looking at inherited and congenital heart conditions in young people) have focused on arrythmias and cardiomyopathies. VHD affects a small – but significant – amount of younger people and it feels as though the research focus has gone slightly under the radar. However, thanks to ongoing funding from CRY families, we have recently been working on some important and pioneering new studies looking at heart valve issues, which will further inform our understanding of the impact on risk of sudden cardiac death and how we might improve diagnosis in asymptomatic young people.
CRY Research Fellow reflects on his recent accolade at international cardiac conference As another of CRY’s inspiring Research Fellows concludes a 3-year tenure with our team based at St George’s, University of London, we’re delighted to announce that Dr Raghav Bhatia was recently awarded “Best of the Best” – for the second time running! – at the 2023 British Cardiovascular Society (BSC) held in Manchester at the start of June. During his time as a CRY Research Fellow, Dr Bhatia (who
has now returned to a clinical role in Yorkshire, currently working with in the Cardiology Department at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) often went above and beyond in his support for CRY. His involvement included taking part in many media interviews on behalf of the charity, attending numerous screenings across all corners of the UK and being an active member of the “Running for Research” team, who not only trained together during their busy schedule at St George’s but also helped to raise over £10,000 in sponsorship! Here, we chat to him to find more about this awardwinning study and how its findings will help to improve and inform CRY’s nationwide screening programme.
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