Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program led by specialized professionals, focusing on support, exercise, and education personalized to fortify your heart. This initiative facilitates enduring lifestyle changes, contributing to a longer and healthier life. It plays a vital role in your recovery after a heart event, procedure, or the diagnosis of a heart condition. Furthermore, cardiac rehab significantly reduces the likelihood of future heart problems and has a proven track record in preventing hospitalizations, thereby minimizing the risk of death from heart conditions. While cardiac rehab typically commences in the hospital, its impact continues seamlessly after discharge, either at home or at a rehabilitation center.
Who Can Join the Program?
Cardiac rehabilitation can benefit individuals who have experienced:
- Coronary heart disease
- A heart attack or admission for angina
- A stent procedure or heart surgery (bypass, valve, or artery surgery)
- Heart failure and cardiomyopathy
- Heart or lung transplant
- Device insertion, such as a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
- Cardiac arrest
- High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- A stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
- Any cardiac event (stent, PCI, CAGS)
- Individuals at cardiac risk aiming to prevent the occurrence of a cardiac event (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, family history of heart disease).
What Involves in Cardiac Rehabilitation?
At cardiac rehab, you learn about your heart condition and your treatments. Your program will be personalized to your needs, including medicines education, exercise programs, and other support. The aim is to help you make long-term lifestyle changes to improve your wellbeing, but also reduce your risk of future heart or stroke events. Cardiac rehab also helps you to feel better about yourself through counselling and connecting with people who have had similar experiences.
You get access to:
- A healthcare team – The cardiac rehab provider will work with a team of healthcare professionals. This might include: a doctor, nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist, psychologist.
- An exercise and education program – Your cardiac rehab team will give you a safe, personalized exercise program to suit your health needs. You will be continuously monitored while you are exercising by a telemetry ECG monitoring system. In addition, your blood pressure and exertion levels will also be timely assessed by the therapist.
At Cardiac Rehab, You Will Be Supported To:
- Improve exercise capacity and physical fitness
- Enhance your diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Manage medicines
- Address other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Recognize warning signs of a heart attack
- Manage stress, anxiety, and depression
- Improve your quality of life.
At Aster Hospitals, we are committed to providing holistic care for heart health. Our Cardiac Rehabilitation program is designed to empower individuals on their journey to recovery and long-term heart well-being. Through personalized support, education, and exercise, our specialized team aims to enhance your heart health and reduce the risk of future cardiac events. Your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What happens during my first visit to cardiac rehab?
During your initial visit, the healthcare team assesses your physical abilities, medical history, and risk factors, developing a personalized program. Ongoing checks and adjustments ensure the program meets your evolving needs. In case of issues, prompt expert help is provided, and a progress report is sent to your doctor upon completion.
What steps should I take after completing the cardiac rehab program?
After completing the program, it's essential to manage your heart condition for life. The goal is to continue the healthy lifestyle developed during cardiac rehab with regular follow-ups to improve heart health and prevent hospitalizations.
What does the Cardiac Rehabilitation program involve?
The program encompasses personalized exercise plans, educational sessions covering heart health, diet management, weight control, smoking cessation, medication management, and addressing stress, anxiety, and depression to enhance overall quality of life.
How does Cardiac Rehabilitation benefit exercise enthusiasts or athletes?
The program extends beyond heart patients; it is beneficial for exercise enthusiasts, athletes, and sports players. It aids in enhancing physical fitness, preventing injuries, and optimizing performance.
Can I still join Cardiac Rehabilitation if I have been physically inactive for a long time?
Absolutely! Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to cater to individuals of various fitness levels. Our experienced team ensures a safe and gradual progression based on individual capabilities.
When is the ideal time to start cardiac rehabilitation?
Ideally, cardiac rehab begins in the hospital and continues post-discharge. It is recommended to start soon after an event or diagnosis, even if you've been out of the hospital for an extended period. The start date considers your heart condition and medical history.
Is cardiac rehabilitation only for heart disease patients?
No, cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for preventing heart disease as well. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, or any metabolic, kidney, or lung disease can participate. It is also beneficial for exercise enthusiasts, sports players, and those aiming for physical fitness, aiding in performance, and preventing injuries or heart issues due to training.
Is Cardiac Rehabilitation only for those with heart disease?
While beneficial for heart patients, Cardiac Rehabilitation is also preventive. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, or metabolic, kidney, or lung diseases can participate to improve their condition and improve quality of life.
Is Cardiac Rehabilitation covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover cardiac rehabilitation. Our team can assist in verifying coverage and guiding you through the reimbursement process.
How often are progress checks conducted during Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Progress checks are ongoing throughout the program, with continuous monitoring of exercise routines, health parameters, and necessary adjustments made to ensure the program aligns with individual needs and goals.
