Can a child born with a congenital heart disease that has been repaired go on rollercoasters?

went to alton towers on sat and saw all the big rides have signs sayin you cant go on if you got a heart condition. my son was born with a few things wrong with his heart which have been repaired with surgery, got another 3 weeks before back for post op check up, so if any one knows would be happy to know! thanks

he is only nine months old so its for the future really not now
thank you for answers so far

Riding coasters is OK as long as you haven't experienced any dizziness during or following any ride... If you ever have, all coasters are off limits...

However, I wouldn't recommend coasters of any kind until a full year has passed since surgery... You can actually cause permanant damage to a healing sturnum with those type of g-forces...

It probably depends on the condition. If it's a heart arrhythmia, they probably shouldn't go on rollercoasters.

But if (as is more likely), it was an anatomical problem such as a hole in the heart (septal defect), then I can't see why they wouldn't be allowed to go on rollercoasters. This is, of course, provided that the problem has been fully corrected and the person has recovered completely from the surgery.

I believe the reason for the warnings is in case people have a heart attack on the ride. As far as I know, your son wouldn't be at a higher risk of heart attacks.

However, if you're planning on taking your son on a rollercoaster, it would be a good idea to check with his doctor first, to be safe. You can do this by phone, so shouldn't need an appointment.

I have done it and I have a congenital heart defect but my last surgery was about 15 years ago and I have been told by my doctor it is okay. If your son is still as close to his surgery as it sounds I wouldn't recommend it but the best thing to do would be talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you the best answer and explain why or why not specific to his case.

This is one question you need to ask the doctor. Because it may depend on each individual case. Since your going for a post-op ask at that time. The doctor should have provided a list of recommendations for recovery. That list should explain any do's and don't's as well as any signs or symptoms to watch for. Please, speak to your physician about any of your concerns and ask about any special needs your child may have.

Good luck. Wishing your child well,
Terry

Technically your son is still being treated for the next three weeks, so he still has a heart condition.

At the check up ask the consultant; each individual is different, hope you get the answer you want :0)

Why would you take ANY nine month old on a roller coaster anyway? What kind of parent are you?

This poor kid was born to very irresponsible parents. What a shame!

I wouldn't chance it.

shud be ok surgen would tell you if not my sons fixed and no probs at all

This is a very serious question that needs to be addressed by your son's cardiologist. There are 35 agreed-upon CHD diagnoses, and the recommendations will likely vary by defect type and overall health. While his heart has been "repaired", he has likely not been *cured* of congenital heart disease (exceptions are very simple defects like PFO and PDA). He will have a greater tendency toward cardiac arrhythmia due to scarring of the heart from surgery as well as his original cardiac malformations. If he is on blood thinners, the high negative G forces can rupture eye blood vessels, and the harness can press on a scar or cause bruising. If he has or gets a pacemaker, riding coasters will likely be discouraged.

Please read the summary of the research presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions in 2005 that showed that roller coasters can induce arrhythmia in healthy people which can be fatal in those with heart disease. It's something to discuss with your son's cardiologist for the long term.

Having said that, there are 1.8 million children and adults with CHD in the US and we hear of very few sudden deaths during or after roller coasters. There is the aspect of being unnecessarily overprotective of your child. It's a fine balance of letting a child be a child vs. protecting him from all risks.