Cardiac rehab is a specific program for those who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, or any other heart illness. It makes the patient feel well again, builds their strength back up, and teaches them to better take care of their heart in the future.
Imagine it like having a recovery plan with guidance. It consists of exercise, learning, and support for your heart to get better. It's typically performed in a hospital, clinic, or an advanced heart center with specialists who know the best way to guide your heart to recover safely.
If you've had any of the following, your physician may recommend cardiac rehab:
Even if you're feeling fine after a heart procedure, your heart still requires time and assistance to recover completely. That's where post heart attack rehabilitation or heart rehab is necessary.
Most individuals believe that rest is the sole means of recovery following a heart issue. Although rest is important initially, remaining inactive for an extended period is actually weakening your body and slowing down recovery.
Cardiac rehab allows you to regain strength in a safe and controlled manner. It educates you on how to make healthier decisions regarding food, exercise, and stress. This minimizes your risk of experiencing another heart issue in the future.
In short, cardiac rehab recovery isn't all about getting better, it's about creating a new, improved lifestyle that protects your heart for years to come.
There are numerous advantages of cardiac rehabilitation, such as:
Regular cardiac rehab exercises make your heart stronger and better at pumping blood.
Rehab can decrease chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
You will gradually increase your strength and endurance with safe exercise.
Rehab decreases your risk of experiencing another heart attack or requiring additional surgery.
It's normal to feel depressed or anxious following a heart event. Rehab provides emotional support to make you feel better.
You'll learn how to eat better, stop smoking, manage stress, and exercise.
Research indicates that individuals who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program live longer and experience fewer complications.
A typical cardiac rehabilitation program consists of three components:
You'll have light to moderate exercises such as treadmill walking, cycling, or stretching. These are safe and tailored to your condition.
You'll receive education on eating healthy, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, medication, and stress reduction.
Most individuals are frightened or depressed after a heart episode. Counseling assists you to cope with the feelings and remain encouraged.
Programs typically last between 6 and 12 weeks, with sessions a few times a week. You'll be checked on as you progress, and your plan will be modified as you become stronger.
Cardiac rehab exercises are specially selected to be safe and beneficial. They work to improve heart and lung function, strengthen muscle, and enhance flexibility.
Examples of usual exercises are:
Every session includes a warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down. Your rehab team is always watching over your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the session.
Don't worry, these exercises are specially created for your level of fitness.
Cardiac rehabilitation recovery is a gradual process. At first, you might feel exhausted or afraid to move around much. That's okay. The rehab staff knows this and will encourage you to begin slowly. As the weeks pass, you'll see:
Recovery is not universal. Some recover faster, while others recover slower. The most important thing is to remain consistent and have faith in the process.
There are various types of cardiac rehabilitation, depending on your requirements and where you stand in your recovery:
This begins when you are still hospitalized following a heart event. It is light exercise and breathing exercises.
This is the most prevalent one. You visit a hospital or clinic several times a week for exercise and learning.
If you can't go to a center, some programs provide rehab at home with calls or mobile apps. Your physician will advise whether this is available.
Whatever type you select, the goal is the same: to make you stronger and live better with heart disease.
Physicians typically suggest beginning cardiac rehabilitation a few days or weeks following your heart surgery, depending on your situation.
For example:
Your doctor will let you know when you can start safely. The sooner you start, the better results you'll see, but don't worry, it's not too late to join.
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