What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

What should I know about cardiac rehabilitation?

1. What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?
2. Who needs cardiac rehabilitation?
3. Is cardiac rehabilitation necessary?
4. What does cardiac rehabilitation involve?
5. Are there any risks to cardiac rehabilitation?
6. How to get started on cardiac rehabilitation

What is cardiac rehabilitation? If you’ve just recovered from a heart attack or been diagnosed with a heart condition, then this may be a term you’ve come across recently. 

This method can be an important part of your recovery and can do wonders for your heart health in the long run. Learn more about what this treatment entails, and how it can help you here — read on.

What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised treatment program. This is specifically for those with heart conditions. 

The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to improve one’s heart health, and overall quality of life. It also seeks to reinforce healthy heart habits to prevent future problems, and reduce the risk of returning to the hospital for issues like heart attacks or heart disease.

To do this, this treatment program includes a combination of education and counseling on top of exercise and training. Different medical professionals are typically involved in this program, including exercise specialists and nutritionists. 

Who needs cardiac rehabilitation?

A cardiac rehabilitation program may be recommended by our doctors at Perpetual Health Medical Center to patients who have had:

• A heart attack
• Heart surgery, such as valve surgery, coronary artery bypass, stent placement, and the like
• Heart failure
• Ongoing heart disease (especially with persisting discomfort or pain), such as coronary artery disease.

What are the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation?

There are many short- and long-term benefits to undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, such as:

• Strengthening your heart after heart attack or heart failure.
• Relieving common symptoms of heart problems.
• Introducing healthy habits, such as physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, and quitting smoking.
• Ensuring proper intake of prescribed medicines for heart health.
• Reducing stress.
• Improving one’s mood, energy, and strength — making daily activities much easier.
• Helps patients return to their normal routines much faster after recovery.
• Reducing the risk of future illness — and even death — from heart disease.

What does cardiac rehabilitation involve?

Cardiac rehabilitation usually starts in your clinic or hospital, where a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals can assist and monitor the program.

There are three main steps to the rehabilitation program:

1. Training — Physical activity is needed to slowly get your heart back into healthy condition. You will be trained on the right routine and practices for maintaining a healthy, robust heart.
2. Education — This involves education on risk factors, such as proper diet and bad habits like smoking.
3. Counseling — Counseling can tackle feelings of stress and sadness that patients typically deal with after suffering from heart disease. These two emotions can add strain on your heart, which counseling helps reduce. 

Programs are tailor-made for each patient, and each one typically lasts 12 weeks. In the first session, your doctor may ask you to take a physical exam and heart imaging scan to get a clear picture of your current condition.

Each session afterward varies, but throughout the program, healthcare professionals will monitor your progress and vital signs and take note of any changes in symptoms, electrocardiogram readings, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Some people start with light activities, which build up in intensity over time. These exercises could involve equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes — the overall goal is to build up fitness and heart health gradually. Sessions may also involve lessons and guidance on diet, safety, and stress management. 

After the program ends, your doctors will recommend you continue the exercise regimen, diet, and other habits you were using during the program to maintain your heart health. 

While it may be difficult at first — especially when you’re still recovering from a heart problem — cardiac rehabilitation can help you feel much stronger and healthier in the long run. 

Are there any risks to cardiac rehabilitation?

While it can be extremely beneficial for many, this program is not appropriate for everyone with heart sickness. It is important to consult with your doctor, who will evaluate your condition, medical history, and exam results to make sure that cardiac rehabilitation best fits your health needs.

Before you start, know that there are a few risks to this program — however, the team of healthcare providers who will be administering this program will continuously monitor you for signs of complications. This reduces the risk of any injuries or further heart problems. On the off chance that it happens, the supervising healthcare professional will immediately stop the activity, and know what first-aid treatment you need to prevent serious injury. 

How to get started on cardiac rehabilitation

The first thing to do is consult your doctor on whether this program is right for you or not. If so, you can start treatment while in the hospital, but outpatient programs done in clinics or your home are also possible. 

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can last as long as eight months, depending on your condition and progress — so be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about insurance coverage. You may be able to get one with your doctor’s referral.

You don’t have to prepare much to start your sessions, and your doctor will usually give some advice on what to expect before the program starts. Remember that you and your healthcare team need to work together to successfully go through your cardiac rehabilitation program and meet your health goals.

Key Takeaway

What is cardiac rehabilitation? It is a key part of many patients’ recovery from recent cardiac events or ongoing heart problems. With a tailor-made program fit for your health needs, and close support and monitoring from a team of healthcare professionals, you can gradually improve your heart health and reduce the risk of future problems.

Interested in learning more about cardiac rehabilitation, and how it can benefit your health? Get in touch with Perpetual Health Medical Center — Las Pinas (PHMC) today. Our team can answer any concerns you may have, or connect you with the right doctor to discuss your treatment options.