If you have experienced a heart problem, such as a heart attack or heart surgery, you may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). Cardiac rehab is a personalised program of education and exercise that can help you recover from your heart condition and improve your cardiovascular health. In this article, we will explain what cardiac rehab involves, who needs it, and how it can help you.
What is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program that consists of three main components:
- Exercise counselling and training: This part of cardiac rehab helps you get your heart pumping and your entire cardiovascular system working. You will learn how to exercise safely and effectively, following a plan that is tailored to your needs and goals. Exercise can improve your heart function, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce stress, and enhance your mood.
- Education for heart-healthy living: This part of cardiac rehab helps you learn how to manage your risk factors for heart disease and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. You will receive information and guidance on topics such as nutrition, weight management, smoking cessation, medication adherence, and stress management. You will also learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what to do in case of an emergency.
- Counselling to reduce stress: This part of cardiac rehab helps you identify and cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of living with a heart condition. You may experience feelings such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, or guilt after a heart event. These feelings are normal and understandable, but they can also affect your recovery and quality of life. Counselling can help you deal with these emotions, improve your self-esteem, and find support from others who share similar experiences.
Cardiac rehab is a team effort that involves you, your health care providers, and your family and friends. You will work together to set realistic goals for your recovery and prevention of future heart problems. You will also receive regular feedback and encouragement from your cardiac rehab team.
Who Needs Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab is an option for people with many forms of heart disease or a history of heart surgery. Your health care provider may recommend cardiac rehab if you have had:
- A heart attack
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Heart failure
- Heart or lung transplant
- Cardiomyopathy
- Peripheral artery disease with pain in the arms or legs during activity (claudication)
- Stable angina
Cardiac rehab is not suitable for everyone with heart disease. Your health care provider will assess your eligibility and readiness for cardiac rehab before referring you to the program. You may not be able to participate in cardiac rehab if you have:
- Unstable angina
- Uncontrolled arrhythmias
- Severe heart failure
- Acute infections
- Other medical conditions that limit your ability to exercise
How Can Cardiac Rehab Help You?
Cardiac rehab can help you in many ways, such as:
- Improving your physical fitness and endurance
- Reducing your risk of future heart problems and death from heart disease
- Preventing or reversing the progression of your heart condition
- Improving your symptoms and quality of life
- Increasing your confidence and motivation
- Enhancing your social support and well-being
Research shows that cardiac rehab can reduce the risk of hospitalisation, revascularization, recurrent angina, and mortality by 20% to 30% compared to usual care. Cardiac rehab can also improve your functional capacity, exercise tolerance, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose control, depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life.
How Long Does Cardiac Rehab Last?
The duration of cardiac rehab varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Cardiac rehab usually begins soon after you are discharged from the hospital or within two weeks of your heart event. The first phase of cardiac rehab may last for six to 12 weeks, during which you will attend supervised sessions two to three times per week at a hospital or clinic. The second phase of cardiac rehab may last for three to six months or longer, during which you will continue to exercise on your own at home or at a community facility. You will also receive ongoing education and support from your cardiac rehab team.
The third phase of cardiac rehab is lifelong maintenance of your heart health. You will need to follow the recommendations of your health care provider and cardiac rehab team regarding exercise, nutrition, medication, smoking cessation, stress management, and regular check-ups.
What are Some Tips for Success in Cardiac Rehab?
To get the most out of cardiac rehab, here are some tips to follow:
- Be committed and motivated to participate in cardiac rehab and make positive changes in your lifestyle
- Follow the advice and instructions of your health care provider and cardiac rehab team
- Attend all your scheduled sessions and appointments
- Perform your exercises as prescribed and monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms
- Report any changes or problems to your healthcare provider or cardiac rehab team
- Keep a record of your progress and achievements
- Seek support from your family, friends, and other cardiac rehab participants
- Celebrate your successes and reward yourself for your efforts
Cardiac rehab is a valuable opportunity for you to recover from your heart condition and improve your cardiovascular health. By participating in cardiac rehab, you can take charge of your heart health and enjoy a better quality of life.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- American Heart Association. (2016). What is cardiac rehabilitation? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/what-is-cardiac-rehabilitation
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-rehabilitation/about/pac-20385192
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Cardiac rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/cardiac-rehabilitation/index.html
- British Heart Foundation. (2019). Cardiac rehabilitation: your questions answered. Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/cardiac-rehab