You may need to enter a cardiac rehab program if you have recently had a heart attack or undergone heart surgery. A carefully constructed cardiac rehab regimen will help reduce uncomfortable symptoms, reduce the chance that you will experience heart problems in the future and offer you some peace of mind, according to the American Heart Association.
Evaluation
In the beginning stage of most cardiac rehab regimens, a physician will perform a full health assessment. She may check your blood pressure, breathing, blood sugar and reflexes and take your heart rate. She may also perform or recommend heart-specific evaluations such as stress tests. This initial evaluation will help your medical team assess your physical abilities and limitations when developing an individualized rehabilitation program and further evaluations will help your medical team assess your progress as you go through the program.
Exercise
An exercise physiologist or physical therapist may be the one helping you develop a specialized exercise program that challenges you to improve your fitness but is also safe. In many cases, physical training during cardiac rehab begins in a group setting where the medical professional overseeing the activity consistently monitors your pulse and blood pressure. Your therapist will teach you how to warm up, cool down, use proper form, assess the intensity of your exercise and monitor your own pulse. In most cases, a cardiac rehab team recommends 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five days out of the week and two to three days a week of muscle-strengthening exercises such as using weight machines.
Education
A medical educator on your cardiac rehab team will give you advice about taking your medications and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices such as giving up on smoking and cutting back on fats, sodium and cholesterol. Your educator will also instruct you in pain management and answer questions you may have about topics such as sexual activity.
Extra Support
You may be assigned a mental health professional who can help you quit unhealthy habits such as smoking and help you cope with any stress or depression you may experience through your recovery. You may also get assistance from an occupational or vocational therapist if you need special support or training as you go back to work and resume other day-to-day activities.
