Physiological health assessment in adults with congenital heart defect (ACHD) – exercise, fitness, stress, sleep and blood vessels

Project Description & Objectives

Successes in cardiac surgery and pediatric cardiology have resulted in a significant increase in the life expectancy of people with congenital heart disease (CHD) in recent years. Now, up to 95% of children with CHD reach adulthood. Thus, the group of adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD) exceeds children and adolescents. The scientific focus should therefore be on long-term health and quality of life. Despite an already increased quality of life, the care of CHD patients is often complex and frequently requires multiple surgeries and interventional procedures. Stress therefore plays a significant role in the lives of ACHD. Both the constant concern for one’s health and the psychological stress of medical interventions can lead to an increased stress response, as well as sleep disturbances. Inadequate physical activity can additionally lead to weakness, low cardiorespiratory fitness, and other health complications. In this regard, exercise in particular is very important in the long-term view of patients and is increasingly becoming the focus of treatment for ACHD. All these aspects have a direct impact on the quality of life and long-term health of patients. To address these challenges holistically, a comprehensive research approach is crucial. Holistic study designs with ACHD patients remain relatively rare. Too often, previous studies mostly examined single performance measures and quality of life, leading to limited interpretations and thus losing sight of the complex (holistic) big picture. There has also been an increased focus on projects only  involving children. This study includes stress, exercise, sleep, physical fitness, and vascular status of adult  patients. Activity, stress and sleep are measured over seven days using wearable technology. With these technical possibilities, we hope to be able to make precise statements about the three parameters and also to be able to draw important conclusions about the fitness and vascular structures of these patients.

https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00032675