Exercise Physiology for the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiologist

This book provides a comprehensive overview of exercise physiology in patients with congenital heart disease and other pediatric cardiopulmonary disorders. It begins with an in-depth but pragmatic discussion of exercise physiology and the cardiopulmonary adaptations to physical activity, followed by a review of the conduct and interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Subsequent chapters discuss exercise physiology and testing in patients with a variety of congenital heart diseases, including tetralogy of Fallot, Fontan physiology, transposition of the great arteries, aortic valve disease, and coarctation of the aorta. Additional chapters analyze other conditions commonly encountered by pediatric and congenital cardiologists such as pulmonary vascular disease, cardiomyopathies, heart transplants, and metabolic disorders. The book also examines the role of exercise testing in patients with electrophysiologic issues such as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, long QT syndrome, atrioventricular node dysfunction, and pacemakers. The presentations are enhanced by data from Boston Children’s Hospital’s vast experience with clinical exercise testing. The textbook concludes with a series of interesting and illustrative cases that build on the earlier chapters, present some fascinating physiology, and provide real-world examples of how exercise testing can inform clinical decision making. Exercise Physiology for the Pediatric and Congenital Cardiologist is a detailed, practical reference for clinicians and other health care providers engaged in exercise testing for children and adults with congenital heart disease and other conditions that may be encountered by the pediatric and congenital cardiologist. It is an essential resource for physicians, medical students, and exercise physiologists as well as researchers in cardiology, pediatrics, and cardiopulmonary fitness.