Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation (“cardiac rehab”) is a program designed by your healthcare team. It will help you recover from your heart problem. It can also help reduce your risk of future heart problems.
Your Rehab Program
Your cardiac rehab program may start while you’re in the hospital. After you leave the hospital, you may go to a facility for rehab classes. You’ll regain some strength and learn how to exercise safely. Once you do that, your doctor may prescribe an exercise program for you to do at a gym or at home.
As an Inpatient
You may start light exercise within
As an Outpatient
As early as
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Exercises will be prescribed to help you build strength and movement. The first month will most likely include easier exercises. Over time, you’ll exercise harder to improve your endurance.
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Your heart and blood pressure may be monitored as you work.
Maintain the Benefits to Your Health
Don’t stop once you’ve finished your program! Make what you learned in rehab a regular part of your life. Here are some tips:
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Work out at home or at a gym. Try renting a new workout video each week. Take an exercise class. Find something that keeps you interested.
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Ask family and friends to help you stay motivated.
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Make other lifestyle changes to improve your heart and overall health. Quit smoking. Make changes to lower your stress. Lose excess weight. And lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
