Cardiac Rehab
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a medically supervised outpatient program designed to help patients that have experienced a cardiac event, to recover and improve their overall physical and mental functioning. Individuals that are eligible for participation in Phase II, have experienced a heart attack, have undergone coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty and/or stent placement, a heart valve repair/replacement, or have stable angina.
The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to reduce the risk of another cardiac event or to keep an already present heart condition from getting worse. This is accomplished through a program of supervised exercise, education on risk factors for heart disease, resistance training, nutritional therapy with a registered dietician, and pharmacological support.
The rehabilitation team works with the individual and their family to develop personal goals that often include gaining strength, developing a long-term exercise program, quitting smoking, and learning about proper nutrition.
Benefits of Exercise
- Improves muscular strength and endurance
- Promotes a sense of well-being
- Improves the efficiency of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system
- Helps with stress management
- Helps in maintaining or losing weight
- Builds stronger bones
- Helps lower elevated blood pressure
- Improves glucose control (blood sugars)
- Increases self-confidence and self-esteem