Cardiac rehabilitation is an individualized care program formulated to help people improve their health and quality of life after suffering from a heart ailment or heart surgery. Although a common concept in the West, it has yet to be recognized back home in India though senior cardiologists vouch for it.
The program includes a comprehensive package of exercises, psychological support, dietary guidance and lifestyle management that not only helps a person bounce back for their condition but also avoid further complications through a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s an interesting perspective by Sandra Anneman, FACHE, from the American College of Healthcare Executives, who has 25+ years of experience in Cardiology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Emergency Medicine.
She reminds us that the heart is not an organ but a muscle and a very important one as our life depends on it. Just like how we treat any other muscle injury with physical rehab, the heart needs cardiac rehabilitation which is handled by an expert team of doctors, nurses, and caregivers.
In her response to a question on Quora, she says, “Cardiac rehabilitation is also a safe place for people who have not had heart problems to work out and be comfortable that they are in a safe place with nurses that are trained just in case there should be a heart issue for those who either are at risk.”
Research too reveals some very intriguing numbers. Studies have found that cardiac rehab helps decrease Cardiovascular death risk by 58%, heart attack risk by 30%, the risk of stroke by 60%, and symptoms of depression by 63%.
We spoke to many experts and they unanimously agreed on the multiple benefits of Cardiac rehab.
According to them, the major advantages include:
- Recovery and getting stronger after a heart attack, heart surgery or another heart issue.
- Improving the mobility of the body to go about daily activities.
- Enhancing the quality of life.
- Reducing the risk of having another heart attack.
- Managing mental health by helping fight feelings of depression and anxiety after a heart attack.
- Stress management.
- Weight reduction and management.
- Healthier lifestyle habits such as cutting down on smoking and alcohol, exercising regularly, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
- The rehab also helps a person to manage their chest pain and deal with breathlessness.
What Happens During Cardiac Rehab
1. Like all programs, before beginning cardiac rehab, the team of experts conducts a thorough medical examination of the person taking into consideration the medical history.
The examination may include:
- Cardiac imaging.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG).
- Tests to check your blood sugar and cholesterol tests
- Stress test with a treadmill or stationary bike.
2. After the initial examination, an individualized treatment plan is devised and goals are set keeping in mind the health condition, and capacity of the person. This is done along with the person and their family to keep it realistic and ensure that it is followed dedicatedly to completion.
3. The exercises are planned based on the fitness levels of the person and the risk factors involved. They include:
- Aerobic exercises such as walking, riding a stationary cycle, etc.
- Exercises to strengthen muscles using weight lifts and resistance bands.
As the person finishes more sessions of exercise, their strength, endurance, and confidence increase. The team constantly supervises the person’s vitals like cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, and the overall progress. They also modify the treatment plan if the person faces any challenges during the exercise regime.
4. In addition to exercise, cardiac rehab also includes diet modification by adding foods that help the heart, ways to handle stress better, and maintaining optimum body weight. There is also guidance given on lifestyle changes such as reduction of alcohol and smoking.
5. Medication management is also an important aspect of cardiac rehab. The team ensures that the person takes their medicines as per schedule without any lapses and also helps them adjust their diet and timings to manage any side effects and improve the efficacy of the pills.
How to Choose the Right Cardiac Rehab Program?
There are some questions to keep in mind before finalizing the right cardiac rehab program.
- Is the location of the rehab center convenient?
- Does the center offer all the services that are needed?
- How well-trained and experienced is the staff?
- How is the atmosphere of the rehab centre-does it make the person feel at home and comfortable?
- Is the center clean, pleasant, and peaceful?
- Is the center accredited to NABH and does it adhere to the highest standards of quality of services?
- Is the center near to hospitals in case of emergencies?
- How cost-effective is the treatment program?
- Does insurance cover the treatment?
Opt for cardiac rehab and let the team of experts not only add years to your life but life to the years.
