Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac rehab is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. Cardiac rehab programs usually provide education and counseling services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.

Many people of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. You may benefit if you have or have had a:

  • Heart attack
  • Heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, angina or heart failure
  • Heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention, including coronary angioplasty and stenting, valve replacement, or a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Your rehabilitation plan is designed to meet your needs. You may need six weeks, six months or longer to learn how to manage your condition and develop healthier habits. Many programs last only three months, but some continue for years.

Regular physical activity helps your heart and the rest of your body get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves your energy level and lifts your spirits. It also reduces your chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.

Counseling and education can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Counseling may also help you learn to manage stress and to feel better about your health.

You have the advice and close supervision of healthcare professionals to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future problems. These professionals can also communicate with your primary care doctor or cardiologist.

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