Inactivity is one of the biggest cardio-vascular risk factors and carries a significant health-economic burden to the NHS. This burden is predicted to increase substantially over the next decades as inactivity levels in children and teenagers are increasing and many knowledge gaps exist, in particular in chronic disease groups such as congenital heart disease (CHD).

CH&P are part of a research group addressing this knowledge gap in a multi-level approach and we have brought together leaders in the areas of: elite sports (Manchester United FC, FC Barcelona and ASPIRE athlete academy Doha); imaging research (CRIC Bristol); children’s health and exercise research (CHERC, University of Exeter); heart imaging technology (Canon Medical Systems) and sports cardiology under the scientific direction of Dr. Guido Pieles, Dr. Graham Stuart (University of Bristol) and Prof. Craig Williams (University of Exeter).

The research is supported by the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (http:// www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/researchinnovation/ourresearch/nihrbristolbrc/about-nihr-bristol-brc) and also local charities Above and Beyond (https://www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk) and The David Telling Trust.

The overall aim of the project is to identify more precisely safe levels of exercise for children with congenital heart disease, as well as to clearly describe the positive benefits that regular exercise delivers to normal healthy children over time. Additionally, data from adolescent elite athletes will be used to improve screening protocols for cardiac abnormalities in young athletes. The program will also help assess progress and performance but also to define a healthy quantity of exercise to optimize each athlete’s potential. The expectation is that the results will improve diagnostic protocols and applications, lead to a more precise and earlier diagnosis of heart function abnormalities and better monitoring of treatment progress in young patients with congenital heart disease.

We are involved in many other research activities and projects, all aiming to a better understanding of the heart function and performance, the development of heart disease and the discovery of better diagnostic and treatment mechanisms to improve our patients quality of life.  

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If you would like to know more about these or if you would like to get involved please send us an email. You are also invited to browse the articles, lectures and videos on this website.

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If you wish to collaborate with CH&P please contact us. We are open for new ideas and fresh input to expand our knowledge in the area  world of cardiac screening and sports cardiology. We welcome applications for volunteer work or research fellowships.