Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The survival rates after heart diseases and surgeries have improved due to advancements in medical care.
One of the essential parts of the recovery process is cardiac rehabilitation, which is a professional program recommended for individuals with chronic cardiac conditions and for those recovering from recent cardiac procedures.
Keep reading to learn more about cardiac rehabilitation to help patients make informed decisions for their heart health!
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation, also known as cardiac rehab, is a comprehensive, personalised, medically supervised program recommended for patients who have undergone heart surgery or are recovering after a cardiac condition, including heart attack or heart failure.
It includes heart health education, exercise training, and emotional support designed around your personal needs to improve heart health
It helps individuals recover from heart-related conditions, manage risk factors, and improve their quality of life.
Read Also:- The Difference Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack & Heart Failure
Who Needs Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehab is recommended for individuals who have had some heart or blood vessel conditions, including
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stable angina
- Peripheral artery disease
- Congenital heart disease
It is also recommended after a heart procedure, including
- Heart or heart-lung transplant
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
- Coronary artery angioplasty with or without a stent
- Heart valve repair or replacement
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation often starts while the patient is still in the hospital and should be continued long-term.
The different phases of the cardiac rehab program are
- Phase 1 (Inpatient): This phase begins in the hospital, typically immediately after a cardiac event or surgery. It focuses on early mobilisation, basic exercises, and educating patients about lifestyle modifications, including managing stress, quitting smoking, and eating healthy.
- Phase II (Outpatient): This phase begins shortly after discharge and lasts about 6-12 weeks. It includes supervised exercise sessions, managing risk factors, and providing behavioural support.
- Phase III (Long-term Maintenance at home): This phase involves self-monitoring, exercising regularly, and regular check-ins with healthcare providers. In this phase, the patients continue to exercise independently, often outside a clinical setting at home.
Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehab programs help patients regain control of their health following cardiac events or surgery by teaching patients the basics of heart-healthy living. The different benefits of a cardiac rehab program are
- Decrease the risk of future heart diseases and related conditions.
- Improve strength and heart function
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Manage weight and eat better
- Teach healthier lifestyle habits, including exercising more, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, not using tobacco products and more.
- Return to work
Overall, a cardiac rehab program may help to enhance the quality of life of heart patients and reduce associated healthcare costs.
Read Also:- Risks and Benefits of Cardiac Surgery | A Complete Guide 2025
What to Expect During a Cardiac Rehab Program?
During the cardiac rehabilitation program, rehabilitation specialists consisting of team of heart doctors, nurses specializing in care and patient education, nutrition specialists, exercise therapists, and mental health professionals will help the patients to regain their heart function.
Before the cardiac rehab, the staff will get your medical history and assess your risk factors and develop a treatment plan to guide you through your program.
The primary components of the cardiac rehab program include
- Supervised exercise: The specialists will train and teach you exercises that you may do after a heart surgery or a heart condition. A personalised exercise program includes
- Endurance exercises, including walking, cycling, jogging, or machine stair climbing
- Muscle-building exercise with light weights or resistance bands
- Stretching exercises or yoga
- Education:Â A nurse or healthcare professional will provide education about heart disease, medicines, and support to manage risk factors.
- Nutrition counselling: A specialist in diet and nutrition will provide information about a heart-healthy diet, setting goals for weight loss or control, and food choices to manage risk factors of heart disease.
- Lifestyle education: It focuses on smoking cessation, stress management, and weight control.
- Emotional support: A health professional may provide talk therapy to help cope with stress, anxiety or depression.
Cardiac Rehab vs. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for overall health. The cardiac rehabilitation program offers a more structured, medically supervised approach specifically designed for individuals with heart conditions.
| Aspect | Cardiac rehabilitation | Regular exercise |
| Medical supervision | Supervised by healthcare professionals | Typically unsupervised |
| Suitability | Suitable for patients with heart disease or recent cardiac events | Anyone aiming for fitness |
| Program duration | Time-limited and structured program | Ongoing according to personal needs |
| Comprehensive support | Includes education, nutrition, stress management, and counselling | Focuses mainly on physical activity |
Table: Cardiac rehab Vs. regular exercise
Risks of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is generally safe when performed under medical supervision. However very rare cases, exercise during a cardiac rehab program may lead to muscle strain, an injury or a dangerous heart rhythm. These risks may be minimised through proper monitoring and professional supervision.
If any concerning symptoms arise, the cardiac rehab staff will have you stop exercising and talk to your cardiologist if required to ensure your safety.
Is Cardiac Rehabilitation Right for You?
People of all ages may benefit from a cardiac rehab program to recover faster after a cardiac event and prevent future heart issues. It is suitable for individuals who have experienced a heart attack, live with a chronic heart condition or have undergone heart surgery.
It may be beneficial for individuals who need help managing risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity and struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression related to heart health.
You may consult your cardiologist or a healthcare provider to determine if a cardiac rehab program is suitable for you.
Conclusion
Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach to recovery for individuals dealing with heart disease or recovering following a cardiac surgery. It combines physical activity, lifestyle education, and emotional support to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
If you or a loved one has recently undergone heart surgery or suffered from a heart condition, you may consult your healthcare professional to enrol in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cardiac rehabilitation is considered very safe and is highly recommended by medical professionals after a heart surgery. It is specifically tailored according to your health condition and is closely monitored to minimise the risks associated.
Most cardiac rehab programs may vary between 6-12 weeks, with 2-3 sessions per week and a total of 36 sessions. The duration of the program may vary depending on the individual’s progress and goals.Â
Cardiac rehab exercises may vary depending on the fitness level and risk factors. It may include aerobic exercise, including walking, riding a stationary bike, using an elliptical or a step trainer. Different activities may be performed under supervision to strengthen the muscles, including lifting free weights or using cable machines and resistance bands.
Yes, you may do cardiac rehab at home with the proper medical guidance and support. There are a variety of tools, including telehealth services, wearable technology, virtual support groups, remote monitoring, and mobile apps available that support home-based cardiac rehab programs.Â
In many countries, cardiac rehabilitation is covered by insurance companies when medically necessary to improve your heart condition. It is preferable to check with your healthcare provider for specific coverage.
