Patients with very small VSDs and those who had VSD repairs in early childhood normally have no exercise restrictions. Those who had VSD closure later in life should be tested to determine safe levels of exercise. Individuals with more significant VSDs and/or secondary pulmonary hypertension (Eisenmenger Complex) should be limited to mild isotonic exercise and should avoid isometric exercise (load bearing or maintaining a specific posture without very much movement of the limbs) completely.

Anyone with congenital heart disease, repaired or non-repaired, should consult with their cardiologist about physical activity to review the risks.