Cardiovascular diseases pose a public health challenge – they account for a third of all global deaths, per Our World in Data. Ian Weisberg, a cardiovascular specialist, upholds an approach that corresponds to overall well-being and physical and mental health in cardiology. This is where cardiac rehabilitation programs come in handy.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that offers education, exercise, and support about medication, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to help patients with heart problems lead healthy lives. The primary objective of such a program is to prevent future heart diseases and related deaths. Learn more about cardiac rehabilitation and its benefits in your recovery journey from heart disease.
Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation
The primary purpose of cardiac rehabilitation is to improve the health of individuals with heart conditions. It makes you stronger, improves the quality of life, prevents the heart condition from worsening, and lowers the risk of future heart problems. These programs aim to limit cardiovascular disease’s physiological and psychological challenges and improve cardiovascular functions.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you recover and stay stronger if your medical history includes cardiomyopathy, heart attack and failure, heart transplant, coronary artery disease, and stable angina. Through a rehabilitation program, you can lower your chances of a heart attack and control other cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Other benefits of Cardiac rehabilitation include:
- Building healthy habits like staying physically active and eating healthily to help you stay fit
- Keeping your heart and body strong after a heart attack.
- Reducing stress and depression and improving emotional well-being.
- Managing weight.
- Quitting harmful habits like smoking.
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation revolves around personal circumstances and needs. It occurs in 3 phases lasting around three months. It’s accessible by visiting a hospital or rehabilitation centre in person or remotely through websites, mobile applications, and video calls.
During these phases, you’ll engage with various healthcare providers like psychologists, cardiologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, counselors, and pharmacists. These specialists have the skills and qualifications to provide comprehensive programs and prescriptions in different phases, as discussed below.
Phase 1: Clinical Phase
The first phase focuses on safety and understanding the condition. The therapists and nurses assess your ability and motivation toward rehabilitation while guiding you through simple exercises.
Phase 2: Outpatient Cardiac Rehab
This phase has a patient-centered therapy plan and involves an informative and relaxation program promoting lifestyle changes and independence.
Phase 3: Post-Cardiac Rehab
The third phase deals with close monitoring and maintenance as you recover. The health specialists monitor your health and offer medical recommendations necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent relapse.
Improve Your Heart Health Through Cardiac Rehabilitation
Adjusting to normal life after a grave health issue can take time. Regardless of age and gender, cardiac rehabilitation is an integral part of recovery that helps rebuild your life, manage your condition, and help you return to a fuller life. Dr. Ian Weisberg emphasizes the importance of visiting an expert for diagnosis and treatment.