Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) is commonly recommended for patients who are recovering from heart attacks, heart failure, and heart surgery or other coronary procedures such as stenting or angioplasty. In a cardiac rehab program, patients work with healthcare professionals to accomplish the following:
- Receive a medical evaluation to access needs and limitations
- Personalize a rehabilitation program
- Set up a physical activity schedule based on personal needs
- Gain lifestyle education and heart condition management tools
- Receive counseling, support, and additional resources
Benefits of Supervised Cardiac Rehab Programs
- Improve physical activity level through supervised exercise programs
- Reduce risk of heart disease or worsening heart conditions
- Provide a variety of resources to help patients quit smoking, learn about nutrition, lose weight, and manage heart condition
- Stress management
- Gain advice and supervision from a team of healthcare professionals
- Act as a line of communication between patient and primary care doctor
Cardiac rehab can help a patient rebuild and gain control of his or her life after a serious medical emergency or life-changing surgery. A cardiac rehab team helps patients become confident and stable enough to manage their heart conditions and make necessary lifestyle changes for better overall health. Cardiac rehab is a long-term—and sometime life-long—maintenance program that can improve quality of life.
