During a sports physical, a adolescent with mild aortic stenosis should have which clearance?

During a sports physical, a adolescent with mild aortic stenosis should have which clearance?

• A. Avoidance of all sports
• B. Clearance for any sports
• C. Evaluation by a cardiologist prior to participation
• D. Low-intensity sports

Answer: (C)

Assessing safety of sports participation for an adolescent with mild aortic stenosis hinges on obtaining cardiology clearance before starting or continuing vigorous activity. Even mild congenital heart conditions require a professional evaluation to gauge exertional risk, symptom status, and any need for further testing such as an echocardiogram or exercise stress test. This ensures that the chosen activities are appropriate and that any progression or complications are monitored. Avoiding all sports is overly restrictive for many with mild stenosis. Requiring clearance from a cardiologist before participation provides a tailored, safe plan rather than a blanket rule. Simply allowing any sport or limiting to only low-intensity activity misses the need for professional assessment of current function and risk.

Assessing safety of sports participation for an adolescent with mild aortic stenosis hinges on obtaining cardiology clearance before starting or continuing vigorous activity. Even mild congenital heart conditions require a professional evaluation to gauge exertional risk, symptom status, and any need for further testing such as an echocardiogram or exercise stress test. This ensures that the chosen activities are appropriate and that any progression or complications are monitored.

Avoiding all sports is overly restrictive for many with mild stenosis. Requiring clearance from a cardiologist before participation provides a tailored, safe plan rather than a blanket rule. Simply allowing any sport or limiting to only low-intensity activity misses the need for professional assessment of current function and risk.