Toronto ACHD Program

Today marks the end of Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. #CHD is a lifelong journey. As the #ESC WG on #ACHD, we advocate for lifelong specialist care, structured transition, and continued research to improve outcomes for ACHD. Awareness lasts beyond one week. @escardio

Last of the Eisenmengers: A Tribute sciencedirect.com/science/articl… A very interesting reflection from Dr. Craig Broberg

It’s not so much about how long you move; it’s how often. A growing body of research shows that you don’t need long gym sessions to improve health. The 2025 expert consensus statement (citation below) highlights how brief, frequent bursts of movement throughout the day, called short bouts of accumulated exercise (SBAE), can deliver many of the same benefits as structured workouts. 1️⃣ What Is SBAE? Short bouts of accumulated exercise are small sessions of movement, often 2–10 minutes, performed several times per day. They “add up” to meaningful totals of physical activity over time. 🟢 Example: Walking up the stairs, doing air squats after a meeting, or brisk walking after meals. 2️⃣ Why It Works Each short bout boosts blood flow, glucose control, and mitochondrial activity, while breaking up long periods of sitting — a key driver of metabolic and cardiovascular risk. 🟢 Example: Even a 2–5 minute walk every 30 minutes can help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin spikes. 3️⃣ How to Apply It (Prescription Recommendations) The consensus provides a practical “exercise prescription” for SBAE: Frequency: Move every 30–60 minutes, several times daily. Intensity: Start light to moderate; progress to brief vigorous bouts if tolerated. Duration: Aim for ≥150 minutes per week of total activity, accumulated in short bouts. Timing: Post-meal movement is especially beneficial for glucose control. Type: Prioritize bodyweight or resistance-based movements that activate large muscle groups. 🟢 Example: Three 10-minute brisk walks daily = similar cardiovascular benefit as a single 30-minute session. 4️⃣ Key Benefits of SBAE Improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control Enhances vascular function and blood flow Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress Supports cardiometabolic health and mental well-being 🟢 Example: Studies show SBAE improves blood pressure and mood, even in people who don’t meet standard exercise guidelines. 5️⃣ Who It’s For SBAE is feasible for nearly everyone, including older adults, people with limited mobility, and those managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. 🟢 Example: Breaking up sitting with 2–5 minutes of movement is a practical, accessible strategy for desk workers and older adults alike. 6️⃣ Future Directions The consensus calls for research into: Optimizing intensity and timing for different populations. Using wearable tech and AI to track and personalize SBAE. Integrating SBAE into clinical guidelines for chronic disease prevention. You don’t need a gym or an hour - just consistency. Short bouts of accumulated exercise break the “sit–disease” cycle, enhance metabolic health, and make movement accessible for all. Yin M, Chen P, Mao L. Expert Author Group. Short bouts of accumulated exercise: Review and consensus statement on definition, efficacy, feasibility, practical applications, and future directions. J Sport Health Sci. 2025 Sep 18:101088.

Dr. Jacqueline Kreutzer shares examples of personalized transcatheter interventions for #CHD already being practiced today: transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement, superior sinus venosus defect repair, edge-to-edge valve repair, and rerouting hepatic veins. #AHA25/#ReSS25

Cardiovascular risk factors, depression, and sleep apnea are key predictors of mortality in ACHD. Early recognition and targeted management matter. @MAGatzoulis academic.oup.com/eurheartj/arti…

Improved pregnancy outcomes amongst ACHD patients FC IV, albeit morbidity/mortality still lingers. Timely Cardio-obstetric input+/-care for ALL female CHD patients is long due. Read the IJC/IJCCHD Journals, Your Journals if you work in CHD. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijca…

We are very excited to see you all in Toronto in June! Register before Friday, May 2, to benefit from early fee. torontoachd2025.com/registration/ @TorontoACHD

It’s not yet too late to send your abstracts. You have few more hours! We are looking forward to receiving your research! ⁦@TorontoACHD⁩ ⁦@BcoCongresos⁩

RT @ralogon: TorontoACHD 2025 (torontoacda2025.com). ♦️We have a very exciten program with outstanding speakers! ♦️We want to hear…

The final program is now available. Check here the lineup of speakers 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/scientific-pro… 🔹Also, don’t miss the deadline to send your abstracts! Submit today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/abstract-submi… 🔹 Register today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/registration/

We are looking forward to seeing you in Toronto in June. 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com 🔹 Very exciting scientific program 👉🏻torontoachd2025.com/scientific-pro… 🔹Submit your abstract today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/abstract-submi… 🔹 Register today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/registration/

We are looking forward to seeing you in Toronto in June. 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com 🔹 Very exciting scientific program 👉🏻torontoachd2025.com/scientific-pro… 🔹Share your research with the ACHD community - submit your abstract today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/abstract-submi… 🔹 Register today 👉🏻 torontoachd2025.com/registration/

Excellent transplant outcomes in patients with Fontan circulation, including those with SVAD pre-transplant. Early referral, pre-transplant optimisation and the involvement of the ACHD Cardiologist and ACHD surgeons are key for a successful outcome. journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.11…

Toronto ACHD Program: A 65 Year Legacy - ⁦@EOechslin⁩ @ralogon ⁦⁩ Thank you to @MAGatzoulis and IJCCHD for inviting us to share the history of the program. sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

💓 Staying active with #CHD is safe & vital for kids’ health! Our new Physical Activity Prescription offers expert guidance to help kids enjoy activity safely. Share with teachers & coaches to reduce concerns & build confidence. 💡 Learn more: cchaforlife.org/learn-about-ch…

Do not miss the opportunity to share your research with the ACHD community. Send your abstract now and you will not miss the deadline!

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the ACHD community in Toronto next year.

Save the date for the 34th International Symposium on ACHD held in Toronto next year. Visit our website at torontoACHD2025.com. The registration will open soon. We are looking forward to seeing you in Toronto @TorontoACHD

New proposed algorithm for PVR in ToF. Should we forget about the RV volumes completely? ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.116… @DrRachelWald @TorontoACHD