Reviving Hearts: The Transformative Power of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cardiovascular Health

By: Shahzad Ahmed, MD., Director of Cardiology & Madeeha Subhan Waleed, MD., Chief Resident, Internal Medicine Resident

 

The time following a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac events can be challenging. Although you may be ready to return home after your hospital stay, your doctor might recommend Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation as a key part of your recovery.

What is Cardiac Rehab?

This program is designed to support your healing journey by helping you regain strength, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance your overall well-being. With personalized exercise plans, education, and ongoing support, cardiac rehab is essential for a safe and effective recovery.

In the modern world, cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks among the leading causes of death globally and is the top cause of mortality in the United States. This underscores the critical need for effective prevention and management strategies, including lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs, to tackle this pressing public health issue. It encompasses a structured program designed to help patients recover and improve their overall health following cardiac events or interventions.

Cardiac rehabilitation is tailored to individual patients.

Cardiac rehab plays a vital role in reducing CVD and decreases the likelihood of recurrence.

This article aims to give a brief overview of the many stages of the rehabilitation process. The significance of this review lies in its potential to raise awareness among individuals, thereby making a valuable contribution to the global effort to tackle the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Are you a candidate for cardiac rehabilitation?

If you are a patient with cardiovascular disease, such as if you had a recent myocardial infarction, acute coronary artery syndrome, congestive heart failure, valvular surgery, after coronary artery bypass surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention, chronic stable angina, or cardiac transplantation.

Which patients do not qualify for cardiac rehab?

While cardiac rehab is beneficial, there are certain contraindications, including: unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe aortic stenosis, decompensated heart failure, and significant comorbidities that preclude safe participation.

Goals of Cardiac Rehabilitation:

The primary objectives of cardiac rehab are to:

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness and function.
• Decrease the risk of future cardiac events.
• Improve psychological well-being and self-efficacy.
• Foster adherence to lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity.

How does the Cardiac Rehab program work?

The Cardiac Rehab team is dedicated to managing cardiac risk factors through a comprehensive approach.

• Exercise: There is a personalized aerobic exercise plan tailored to the patient’s needs. The focus is on helping patients gain strength and improve their endurance, enabling them to return to their daily activities, whether it’s work, hobbies, or regular exercise.
• Education: They provide individualized education on the controllable risk factors that contribute to heart disease, empowering the patients to take an active role in their recovery. Controllable risk factors for heart disease are lifestyle and health-related habits that individuals can manage or change to reduce their risk.

These include:

• High Blood Pressure: Managing blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
• High Cholesterol Levels: Lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) through dietary changes and medications can improve heart health.
• Smoking: Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful changes for reducing heart disease risk.
• Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation, helping to prevent heart disease.
• Unhealthy Diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lower the risk of heart disease.
• Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the heart and lower the risk of other related conditions.
• Diabetes Management: Controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication helps prevent complications related to heart disease.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Stress Management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling can improve overall heart health. By addressing these controllable risk factors, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing heart disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health.
• Nutrition: They teach the importance of healthy eating habits, weight management, and smart food choices. This guidance can help patients lose weight and better control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Support: The team offers support, addresses the concerns patients might have, and provides ongoing encouragement. The team helps the patient navigate through emotional challenges associated with their condition and helps patients connect with additional resources such as smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and nutritionists. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for a healthier lifestyle and a brighter future.

Cardiac rehabilitation has three distinct phases:

Phase I: The Clinical Phase:

This phase starts soon after the cardiovascular event. It begins by assessing the patient’s physical abilities and motivation for rehab. The team guides patients through gentle exercise at bedside and focuses on range of motion and preventing deconditioning. The team focuses on daily living activities and educates patients on how to reduce stress. The team also focuses on the need for assistive devices, provides education to the patients and their families, and plans for discharge.

Phase II: The Outpatient Cardiac Rehab:

Once the patient is cleared by their cardiologist, they can begin cardiac rehab. This phase lasts from 3 to 6 weeks but may extend up to 12 weeks. The patients undergo an initial assessment to identify their physical limitations and any restrictions they might have given their comorbidities. A personalized therapy plan is then designed, including information and advice, a tailored training program, and a relaxation regimen. The focus is on promoting independence and facilitating lifestyle changes to help the patients transition back to their daily lives.

Phase III: Post-Cardiac Rehab:

In this particular phase, the patients are more independent and self-monitor. The emphasis is on improving strength and aerobic conditioning. They are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle and continue their exercise regimen. Patients follow up with physician specialists. They monitor their cardiovascular health, manage their medications, and support ongoing lifestyle changes to prevent relapse.

Pre-surgery Phase:

There is also a pre-surgery phase. Some studies indicate that participating in cardiac rehab can help patients tolerate the postoperative recovery process. Overall, cardiac rehab provides comprehensive support for recovery and long-term heart health.

Improving Health Outcomes:

Achieving these goals involves enhancing overall cardiac function and capacity, slowing or reversing the progression of cardiac disease, and boosting the patient’s self-confidence through a structured and gradual conditioning program. This comprehensive approach not only improves heart health but also empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery and lifestyle changes. A comprehensive interprofessional team, including primary care providers, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiac nurses, pharmacists, and occupational therapists, can enhance patient outcomes through collaborative care.

Ultimately, cardiac rehab provides the tools and support needed to foster a positive outlook and a more resilient heart. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities for a healthier life! ❤

To schedule an appointment with a Lower Bucks Hospital Cardiac Rehab Department, call 215-785-9442.

https://lowerbuckshosp.com/our-services/cardiac-rehabilitation/