Cardiac Rehabilitation - FAQs

As we all know that the burden of CVD ( cardiovascular disease) is spread across all groups within the population and heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Any serious medical diagnosis such as heart disease is likely to generate many emotions. The anxiety , fear and constant worry puts the body into a fight and flight mode, stress hormones are released & cause the heart rate and blood pressure to increase and constrict blood vessels. When these symptoms become chronic , they increase the likelihood of having another heart attack. Having a heart attack is a scary ,life changing experience for many people. Isn’t it ? so here comes the role of cardiac rehabilitation which is an important component in the continuum of care for individuals with heart disease.

Goal : The main goal of cardiac rehab is to promote secondary prevention & to enhance quality of life among cardiac patients. To achieve the goals of cardiac rehab a multidisciplinary team work in an integrated way with the individual to assist in the quick recovery of cardiac patients.

CORNER STONE OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION

• Reduction of cardiac risk factors
• Exercise & activity guidelines
• Patient education

Although cardiac rehab does not change your past, but it can help you improve your hearts future. Cardiac rehab is an inexpensive treatment that saves lives .It helps heart patients to get back on their feet, physically & emotionally through exercise, education and support.CR is an accepted form of management for people with cardiac disease.

Initially rehab was offered mainly to people recovering from MI, but no
w encompasses a wide range of cardiac problems.CR begins as soon as possible in intensive care units , only if the patient is in stable medical condition. Intensity of rehab depends on patients condition & complications in acute phase of disease.

A medicine called exercise is a key element within the core components for the prevention & rehabilitation of CVD. With appropriate screening & comprehensive assessment CR service is tailored and the exercise component is effectively delivered to the individual.

Frequently Asked Questions!

1. Is physical activity safe for people with heart problems ?

For most heart patients,physical activity is not only safe, its part of the treatment. What is even more encouraging is that these changes are possible with light to moderate exercise. So don’t panic – we are not going to make you run marathons. Your exercise program will be designed around you, your needs and capabilities & will gradually progress as you gain in fitness & confidence. During the session you will be taught how to use the various pieces of equipment & how to exercise safely and effectively.

2. What sort of exercise is the best ?

Aerobic activities are most beneficial for the heart. Other types are – resistance /strength training, balance & coordination, stretching and flexibility. So it is recommended that you incorporate regular, continuous aerobic activity into your day. Current guidelines state that to gain health benefits we all need to do physical activity on most days of the week at a moderate intensity level for 30- 45 mins. Walking is an ideal activity that can easily become part of your daily routine.

3. Can I return to normal life after cardiac rehabilitation ?

Yes, definitely because the goal of CR is to help you re-establish & maintain a healthy active lifestyle and resume to work after a major heart problem. “ If there was a pill that cost very little, reduce cardiac deaths, improved quality of life, reduce anxiety & depression, every cardiac patient would be expected to take it. There is no such magic pill there is only MENDING HEARTS WITH CARDIAC REHABILITATION .