Cardiac rehab programs vary in the types of services they offer and
emphasize. Choose one that makes exercise training a priority.
Studies show that people who participate in an exercise-based
program are less likely to have a future heart attack or major heart
surgery, and are less apt to die of any heart-related cause than those
who don’t join a program that emphasizes exercise. When choosing
a cardiac rehab program, also look for one that:
¦ Offers a wide range of services, including education and
counseling.
¦ Offers services at a time and place that are convenient for you.
¦ Offers services that meet your specific needs and preferences.
For example, if you’re overweight, look for a plan that provides
help for weight loss.
¦ Is supervised by a team of health care professionals.
¦ Is affordable. Your insurance may cover the cost of some
cardiac rehab services, but not others. Find out what will be
covered and for how long, so you’ll know from the start what
your out-of-pocket costs will be.
What You’ll Do in a Cardiac Rehab Program
Get moving. E x e rcise training will help you learn to safely participate
in physical activity, strengthen your muscles, and improve your
stamina. If you’ve recently gotten out of the hospital, you may be
worried that exercise will bring on another heart attack or other
heart crisis. In fact, physical activity can help prevent future heart
problems. Your rehab team will help you develop a program that is
safe and effective for you.
Some programs make use of equipment such as a treadmill for
walking, stationary bikes, and light weights, and you’ll be shown
how to use this equipment to get the most benefit. Other programs
offer low-impact aerobics classes and other group exercise activities.
In most programs, your heart rate and blood pressure will be moni-
tored while you move. As your heart and body become stronger,
you will gradually increase your physical activity. Eventually, after
you become familiar with the program, you can continue it at a
fitness center or at home.
emphasize. Choose one that makes exercise training a priority.
Studies show that people who participate in an exercise-based
program are less likely to have a future heart attack or major heart
surgery, and are less apt to die of any heart-related cause than those
who don’t join a program that emphasizes exercise. When choosing
a cardiac rehab program, also look for one that:
¦ Offers a wide range of services, including education and
counseling.
¦ Offers services at a time and place that are convenient for you.
¦ Offers services that meet your specific needs and preferences.
For example, if you’re overweight, look for a plan that provides
help for weight loss.
¦ Is supervised by a team of health care professionals.
¦ Is affordable. Your insurance may cover the cost of some
cardiac rehab services, but not others. Find out what will be
covered and for how long, so you’ll know from the start what
your out-of-pocket costs will be.
What You’ll Do in a Cardiac Rehab Program
Get moving. E x e rcise training will help you learn to safely participate
in physical activity, strengthen your muscles, and improve your
stamina. If you’ve recently gotten out of the hospital, you may be
worried that exercise will bring on another heart attack or other
heart crisis. In fact, physical activity can help prevent future heart
problems. Your rehab team will help you develop a program that is
safe and effective for you.
Some programs make use of equipment such as a treadmill for
walking, stationary bikes, and light weights, and you’ll be shown
how to use this equipment to get the most benefit. Other programs
offer low-impact aerobics classes and other group exercise activities.
In most programs, your heart rate and blood pressure will be moni-
tored while you move. As your heart and body become stronger,
you will gradually increase your physical activity. Eventually, after
you become familiar with the program, you can continue it at a
fitness center or at home.
Learn new heart healthy habits. In your cardiac rehab program,
you’ll also learn about controlling your personal risk factors for heart
attack and other heart complications, and how to create new, healthier
habits. Controlling risk factors is a very important part of your re c o v-
ery process. Depending on your personal needs, you may learn to:
¦ Quit smoking if you’re a smoker.
¦ Manage related health conditions such as diabetes and high
blood pressure.
¦ Eat a healthy, low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet.
¦ Control your weight.
¦ Manage stress.
For more information on controlling risk factors, see the sections of
this guidebook on “Major Risk Factors” and “What Else Affects
Heart Disease?” on pages 13 and 31 respectively.
Get counseling and sup-
port. A good cardiac
rehab program will help
you learn to cope with
the challenges of adjust-
ing to a new lifestyle,
as well as address any
concerns you may
have about the future.
You’ll also be offered
help in dealing with the
emotional ups and downs
that many people experi-
ence following a heart
attack or heart surgery.
Many programs offer
classes in stress man-
agement, as well
individual counseling,
group support, or
both.
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