Objective: Despite the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Brazil, the
occurrence of functional impairment in children and adolescents with
rheumatic heart disease is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate
exercise tolerance, respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and quality
of life of children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study, conducted from August to December 2014 with children
and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease aged 8 to 16 years. The
participants, after completing the socioeconomic, clinical, and quality of
life questionnaires were tested by spirometry, manovacuometry and in a
6-minute walk test. The variables and their reference values were compared
using the paired Student’s t-test. Comparisons between predicted and
observed walking distance were done also by Student’s t-test, consdiering
the categorization of the participants. Correlations between these
differences and quantitative variables were assessed by Pearson’s
coefficient, being significant p<0.05. Results: All 56 participants had a walked distance lower than predicted
(p<0.001). The differences between predicted and
observed distances were positively correlated with the baseline heart rate
(r=0.3545; p=0.007). Expiratory muscle strength was also
lower than the predicted values (p<0,001). Regarding
quality of life assessment, the mean scores were 70, 77 and 67% for general,
physical, and psychosocial aspects, respectively. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease have reduced exercise
tolerance, which is related to their higher baseline heart rate; they also
show impaired expiratory strength and quality of life.