Physiological responses of children with surgically corrected congenital heart disease during high-altitude trekking: an exploratory observational study.

Background: Children with surgically corrected congenital heart disease (CHD) are often perceived as fragile and discouraged from engaging in physical activity, despite evidence that structured exercise improves functional capacity and quality of life. However, data on their physiological responses to extreme environments, such as high-altitude exposure, remain limited. Methods: We conducted an exploratory observational study during an Annapurna Base Camp trek (maximum altitude 4,150 m) in February 2024. Children with surgically corrected congenital heart disease and accompanying healthy adults participated in the expedition. Oxygen saturation (SpO Results: From 1,350 m to 4,150 m, SpO Conclusion: Children with surgically corrected CHD showed preserved oxygenation and well-tolerated hemodynamic responses during high-altitude trekking, underscoring their capacity for physiological adaptation when adequately prepared and supervised. The study highlights the feasibility and safety of structured physical challenges for this population and provides preliminary insight into designing exercise programs that promote confidence and participation.