February 9-15, 2020 is Cardiac Rehabilitation Week

February 3, 2020

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medical program that helps patients deal with the recovery and aftermath of heart disease. It aims to assist with fast recovery and help them achieve previous levels of physical and mental health whenever possible.

Cardiac rehabilitation also has the goal to maintain, if not improve, the patient’s present heart condition and to prevent the onset of another cardiac arrest.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can encompass several features:

  • Counseling to ensure patients fully understand their condition and are able to manage the cardiac rehabilitation process
  • Helping patients make lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors associated with heart disease
  • Implementing an exercise program
  • Giving vocational assistance so that patients may be able to go back to work or find work
  • Giving patients complete health condition information including any limitations
  • Emotional support for patients
  • Cardiac rehabilitation mostly includes an exercise program but can be tailored to suit the specific needs of patients with regard to their individual health conditions.

If properly administered, it can have a significant impact on recovery, functioning, and quality of life for patients.