Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease your heart specialist likely recommends cardiac rehabilitation as part of your recovery program. Cardiac rehab is an individualized program that strengthens your heart. At the same time, the program teaches you lifestyle changes that significantly improve your chances of avoiding future heart problems.

Everything you need to restore your heart health and remain healthy is available. Under one roof, you’ll find a wide range of specialists with the expertise you need for your diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Your team may consist of medical specialists who cooperate to strengthen your heart. Your specific team may include:

Your primary care doctor
A physical therapist
A cardiologist
A nutritionist
Nurse practitioners and educators
Even a vein specialist

What to Expect from Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program that includes education, physical activity and support. You work with a group of specialists to develop a recovery program that’s right for you. Cardiac rehab programs include:

• Exercise. Your treatment team works with you to improve your fitness level through physical activity. You’re guided toward low-impact activities such as cycling, walking or rowing. You may also work on strength training using resistance bands or hand weights. Members of your medical team ensure that your activities are safe for you. They monitor your progress and add more intensive training when you feel ready.

• Education on heart healthy living. You receive instructions on how to make lifestyle changes such as creating a heart-healthy diet, increasing your physical activity, reducing stress and quitting smoking. If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, your health care team offers guidance. Referrals to other specialists keep you within the same practice and at the same location.

• Support. Your treatment team aims to provide whatever assistance you need. Your support may include counseling and medication from a psychiatrist for depression if you’re having difficulty coping with your condition. You may be directed to a support group that shares your concerns. They teach you ways of dealing with stress, such as meditation and relaxation techniques. Regular follow-up visits hold you accountable for maintaining your new lifestyle until even after your rehab program is complete.

How Cardiac Rehab Can Benefit You

Cardiac rehabilitation greatly improves your quality of life and longevity. It aims not just to reduce symptoms of such heart problems as chest pain, but also lessen your need for medication. If you follow the rehab program, you can expect to feel reasonably stronger and more energetic. You may even lose weight.

After your cardiac rehabilitation program, you’ll notice that ordinary daily activities and tasks — such as climbing stairs and house cleaning — become easier. You’ll also have a better understanding of healthy food choices and how much exercise your body needs to stay healthy. Prevent future heart problems; cardiac rehab:

Is Cardiac Rehabilitation Right for You?

Before recommending cardiac rehabilitation, your doctor reviews your medical history and evaluates your current state of health to ensure you’re ready for a cardiac rehab program. If your risk of complications is too high, you may be better suited for alternate forms of treatment and therapy for your heart condition.