A positive mental attitude is tantamount to a complete and healthy recovery following a cardiac event such as surgery or a heart attack. According to a 2008 study performed by the University of Bern, the capacity to participate in cardiac rehabilitation relies greatly on the mental condition of the patient. If you are depressed, you greatly increase the risk of reducing the improvement you might gain from cardiac rehab exercises.
Basics of Rehab
Cardiac rehabilitation usually begins while you're still in the hospital following surgery or a stroke or heart attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, you'll be evaluated for your functional levels, and a prescription that targets your personal needs is provided based on the findings of the evaluation. You'll most likely be provided with a physical therapist, nutritionist and occupational therapist to carry out the orders. You should talk to your doctor about any feelings of depression because the condition can severely impair your recovery if you can't find the energy to participate in the exercises. Counseling and antidepressant medication may relieve the symptoms.
Chicken and Egg Dilemma
It may be difficult for rehabilitation professionals to figure out which came first, the depression and lack of motivation to participate in an exercise program or the delay in starting with a vigorous rehab program. According to the American Heart Association, the very act of participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program may be all that's needed to activate a more positive response to recovery. At the same time, when patients are too depressed, they often can't get started. Oftentimes, in addition to cognitive therapy used to identify emotional issues stopping you from exercising after a cardiac event, you may need to adjust your diet to prepare you for the rigors of recovery.
Self-Imposed Limits
Cardiac patients suffering from depression and anxiety often have difficulty showing up for physical therapy appointments. They find excuses to avoid the sessions, mostly because they don't feel well. Once there, depressed cardiac patients often perceive the levels of their capacities to be lower than they actually are. Depressed patients want to quit before they reach the peak capacity required to deliver beneficial results. When pushed, however, the increase in physical abilities can help to make you feel better and relieve a certain amount of the anxiety and depression you felt following the cardiac event, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Individualized Programs
The level of treatment required for cardiac patients with depressive symptoms varies greatly according to both the individual and the extent of the damage experienced. According to Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, located in Yankton, South Dakota, the feelings of hopelessness experienced by someone who's had a debilitating stroke differ greatly from the inconvenience a person who's had a minor heart attack may feel. Being depressed also affects how easily you may undergo other required lifestyle changes. Those who exercised regularly and ate a healthy diet may easily overcome a mild bout of anxiety following a heart attack, while those who are obese and didn't have a healthy lifestyle prior to the cardiac event may have a longer struggle with depression and its effects, requiring more intensive therapy or medication before they can even think about starting an exercise program.
Member Comments