What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab, as it is commonly known, is a program of exercise and education for people who have heart problems. It gradually and safely increases exercise over a period of weeks. Its purpose is to return people with heart problems to normal activity levels. A cardiac rehab program usually lasts from 4 to 12 weeks, but may last longer.

Who needs cardiac rehab?

Most people who use cardiac rehab are people who have survived a heart attack. People recovering from heart surgery or coronary angioplasty and people with other heart problems, including angina (chest pain), may also enroll in the program. Some cardiac rehab programs focus on otherwise healthy individuals who are out of shape and at risk for heart disease. All those who take part finish with an improved degree of fitness.

What is a typical cardiac rehab program?

Phase 1

Phase 1 of most programs begins in the hospital. Gradual exercise is started for those recovering from a heart attack or cardiac surgery. This usually means short walks and exercises to stretch muscles. Nurses will watch each patient and check blood pressure and pulse rate before and after exercise. Education about your heart disease is started. You may need to take a low-level exercise treadmill test before your discharge from the hospital.

The results of the exercise test are used to help determine what your activity will be for Phase 2.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of cardiac rehab program lasts about 8 weeks and averages three sessions a week. Nurses supervise this phase, which you will do as an outpatient. The amount of exercise is increased so that you reach your best level of work capacity by the end of the program. Phase 2 programs increase your confidence about your ability to return to work.

Learning about your disease is almost as important as exercise. During the stay in the hospital, most people are anxious and stressed. Both patients and their families have a hard time remembering what the doctors and nurses have told them about the disease. During Phase 2 you will learn:

• about the disease
• how to take care of yourself
• how to avoid problems in the future.

The Phase 2 program usually offers classes to help you with your new diet or to stop smoking. Special support groups may be organized to help you and your family cope with your illness and the lifestyle changes you need to make.

Phase 3

Phase 3 is a lifelong extension of proper exercise and lifestyle habits. Although your doctor can offer you guidelines for eating and exercising, it is up to you to combine the healthy habits you learned in phases 1 and 2.

What are the benefits?

Cardiac rehabilitation can:

• increase your chances of surviving a heart attack or other heart problem
• increase your capacity for physical activity
• help you return to work sooner
• help you resume an active lifestyle.

The program's structured support can help you and your family during this difficult time.

Perhaps one of the most valuable benefits of cardiac rehab is the improved quality of life. People who have been through the program report feeling healthier and happier than they did before heart disease disabled them.

Published by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Written by Donald L. Warkentin, M.D.