Exercise, Endothelium, and Muscle in Fontan: Cause, Effect, or Common Culprit?
Abstract
I read Lui et al.’s1 article with interest. Their cross-sectional study of 137 paediatric Fontan patients in the Re-Energize Fontan cohort provides a comprehensive assessment of VO2, endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index [RHI]), skeletal muscle mass/strength, and biomarkers.1 The sizable cohort and multidomain evaluation underscore the Fontan circulation’s multisystem burden. Peak VO2 was reduced (approximately 75% predicted) and correlated with a lower RHI (approximately 1.45), reduced leg lean mass (z ≈ –1), weaker strength, and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting interconnected cardiovascular, vascular, and muscular deficits.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Congenital Heart Disease Studies
Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CJC Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
- Volume
- 5
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 255–256
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN