Cardiac Rehabilitation: Its Benefits After a Cardiac Event

Imagine a scenario: someone instructs you to work 24×7, even for just one day, with no breaks. Will you be able to do it? Of course not. But guess what? Is there someone working for you 24×7? Your heart. It keeps your blood pumping so that every organ and body part gets an adequate blood and oxygen supply. That’s why adopting healthy heart habits is so important to keep it strong.

But there are certain situations in life when your heart needs extra attention. The best cardiologist suggests cardiac rehabilitation (an integral part of post-treatment heart health care) to recover from a heart attack, heart surgery, etc. They gently guide you with exercise, lifestyle changes, and support to regain strength and confidence for a healthier heart rhythm of life.

What is the Cardiac or Heart Rehabilitation Program?

Cardiac rehab is a complete program that the best heart doctors suggest after a person has had cardiac surgery or treatment for a heart issue, such as a heart attack. It helps the heart recover and get stronger.

Here are the Three Phases of the Heart Rehabilitation Program

Cardiac rehab is a complete program that the best heart doctors suggest after a person has had cardiac surgery or treatment for a heart issue, such as a heart attack. It helps the heart recover and get stronger.

When Do Patients Need Cardiac Rehab?

It is recommended after the following conditions:

• Heart attack and Heart failure
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Coronary artery angioplasty with or without a stent
• Peripheral artery disease
• Use of a ventricular assist device
• Stable angina
• Heart or heart-lung transplant

What Are the 5 Key Parts of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?

Here are the five key components:

• Patient Assessment (the best cardiac doctor will check heart health, fitness level, and other risks)
• Exercise Training
• Risk Factor Management
• Psychosocial and Emotional Support
• Education, Diet, and Nutrition Counseling

Here are the Three Phases of the Heart Rehabilitation Program

Phase I: Inpatient (Early Hospital Phase)

It focuses on basic mobility and education right after a cardiac event.

Phase II: Early Outpatient

This phase focuses on regular sessions of exercise, risk factor checks, and counseling.

Phase III: Maintenance (Long-term Phase)

This phase focuses on independent exercise at home or community programs.

What are the Benefits of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Here are some of the benefits:

1. Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Fatalities

The professional help guide targeted exercise. This strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood flow, reducing the death rate.

2. Decrease Hospital Readmissions

Through ongoing monitoring and habit changes, the program promotes better fitness and risk control to cut hospital stays.

3. Lower the Risk of Heart Attacks

Exercise and lifestyle tweaks in the program decrease plaque buildup in arteries. This supports healthy changes in the body, lowering the risk of a heart attack

4. Improves Capacity for Exercise

Personalized workouts improve stamina and oxygen use. This helps individuals walk farther without fatigue by increasing heart output and muscle efficiency.

5. Help Achieve Better Quality of Life

Counseling eases daily symptoms such as shortness of breath. It has been reported that individuals experience better emotional well-being and energy levels.

6. Better Management of Risk Factors

The professional guides you on healthy heart diets and weight, helps you quit smoking, and manages diabetes.  This supports healthy blood pressure and stable sugars, contributing to a lower chance of future events.

7. Improve Mental Health

Stress management sessions help manage negative emotions, anxiety, and depression better. This improves mood through proven psychosocial support.

8. Offer Strength to Achieve Long-term Independence

The techniques used in the program help build muscle and prevent frailty. This helps lower age-related decline to maintain daily activities.

What are the Cardiac Rehab Exercises?

The exercise may vary because it is personalized based on your condition. Here is a general list of exercises:

• Brisk walking (treadmill/outdoors)
• Stationary cycling
• Elliptical
• Swimming
• Lightweights
• Resistance bands
• Wall push-ups
• Leg presses
• Bicep curls
• Seated machine weights
• Gentle yoga
• Static stretches (hamstring, calf)
• Neck rolls
• Shoulder circles
• Trunk twists
• Ankle rolls
• Heel-to-toe walking
• Sit-to-stands
• Step-ups

Team Members of Cardiac Rehabilitation

A multidisciplinary team works in cardiac rehab, which includes:

• Cardiologist/Physician
• Nurses (Clinical Nurse Specialists)
• Physical Therapists (Physiotherapists)
• Dietitians/Nutritionists
• Psychologists/Behavioral Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Occupational Therapists
• Smoking Cessation Counselors
• Social Workers/Vocational Counselors

When to Start Heart Rehabilitation?

The best heart specialist may recommend it as soon as possible after a heart event.

How to Strengthen Your Heart After Treatment

• Follow your cardiac rehabilitation recovery tips guided by professionals.
• Learn to manage daily stress.
• Track blood pressure, weight, and symptoms regularly with your doctor.
• Identify your trigger factors.
• Practice a heart-healthy diet and practice heart-healthy exercises.

Best Heart Hospital | Artemis Cardiac Care

Searching for the best post-surgery heart care in India? Contact Artemis Cardiac Care; we are known for our comprehensive cardiac care, advanced technology and experienced heart specialists.

Our experts:

• Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha (16 years of experience)
• Dr. Awanindra Kumar Singh  (10 years of experience)
• Dr. Gurkirat Singh Sidhu  (10 years of experience)

Call us at +91 9070902010 (24/7).

Explore the patient success stories here.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional advice. For the right post-treatment heart health care, follow your doctor’s advice only.