Beginning a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Summary

This video provides an overview of what patients can expect during each phase of an organized cardiac rehabilitation program. Explains that cardiac rehabilitation is necessary for patients who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, or suffer from congestive heart failure. Goals of a program are outlined with an emphasis on the importance of aerobic exercise and risk factor reduction. Features interviews with cardiac rehabilitation program participants.

Details

Heart attacks are the result of a disease that has been developing in the body for years.

The heart requires a continuous supply of oxygen enriched blood which is supplied by the coronary arteries. These can develop areas of narrowing, caused by a build up of cholesterol and other fatty substances.

These narrowings can restrict blood flow and deprive the heart of oxygen. This can cause an uncomfortable tightening or squeezing sensation in the chest known as angina.

If an artery is completely blocked by a clot, and blood flow is cut off, a heart attack occurs, and the part of the heart muscle deprived of oxygen is permanently damaged, and loses some of its effectiveness as a pump.

Your body may learn to compensate for the damaged heart tissue through an exercise rehabilitation program to slowly build up your cardiovascular system's efficiency.

The first week home:

• do all the things you were doing in the hospital
• walk at a leisurely pace on a flat surface
• take rest periods after meals or before you exercise or climb stairs
• regular exercise helps you do more activities without becoming short of breath or feeling as tired
• avoid lifting, pushing or pulling any object that’s heavier than the weight recommended by your doctor

In the weeks that follow:

• you'll walk short distances at a comfortable pace when it's not too hot and it's not too cold
• gradually increase the time or distance

Another goal of treatment is to prevent any further damage to the heart by slowing down or stopping the development of atherosclerosis:

• stop smoking
• control high blood pressure
• reduce high cholesterol
• lose weight if you are overweight

Exercising and making lifestyle changes takes time and practice. That's why it's important to enlist the support of your family.

As you begin to feel better, you may be tempted to try activities that you aren't ready for.

After a few weeks of recovery, your doctor may want to do a complete exercise test to see what you can do safely.

Sex:

• sex can be resumed after your doctor gives okay
• don't have sex until two or three hours after eating, or when you’re tired or hot
• both partners should be relaxed

Returning to work can be one of the most rewarding mileposts in your recovery. At the same time, you will be faced with some new challenges.

A cardiac rehabilitation program is usually started shortly after a heart attack:

• exercise increases the efficiency of your entire cardiovascular system
• improves your overall physical fitness
• helps you lose weight
• may help lower your cholesterol level

An individualized exercise routine will be developed for you so you can work at your own speed.

Most programs involve two or three supervised exercise sessions per week. While you exercise, your heart will be monitored.

Another goal of rehabilitation is to help you make the lifestyle changes that may prevent another heart attack.

Dieticians and health educators can help you understand the roles of nutrition, exercise, medication, and other aspects of a balanced recovery program.

You'll also benefit from meeting other patients with similar concerns and goals.

As rehabilitation progresses, you should be able to exercise longer and harder. People continue their exercise programs for years.