what to expect during cardiac rehabilitation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 800,000 Americans have a heart attack each year. And 25% of those individuals have already had one heart attack.

Cardiac rehabilitation can help you recover from a heart attack or surgery and lower your risk for more heart attacks.

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

It’s a medically supervised program designed to help you recover from heart attacks, heart failure and heart surgery. Men and women of all ages can utilize cardiac rehab, and it’s usually recommended by your doctor.

If you’ve had heart surgery, you can begin cardiac rehab in the hospital or immediately following discharge. This type of rehab is intended to improve your physical and emotional well-being and manage your condition long-term. Most programs last 12 weeks, but the time varies from two to eight months.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

There are three main components to cardiac rehabilitation:

Exercise and training: You will work with a team of physical therapists and exercise specialists to create a custom workout to strengthen your heart muscle and boost circulation. Cardiac rehab exercises include stationary cycling, walking on a treadmill, swimming and low-impact aerobics.

Health education: A nutritionist will discuss the importance of a heart-healthy diet. They will help you make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of heart-related complications and boost your recovery. You may also learn techniques to quit smoking.

Counseling services: Stress negatively affects your heart health, so you’ll work with a counselor to learn effective stress management techniques. A heart attack can cause emotional distress, so counseling services will help you process your physical and mental health and lower your risk for depression and anxiety.

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Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

• Strengthen your heart and body after a heart attack
• Relieve symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pain and shortness of breath
• Build healthier habits like getting more exercise, quitting smoking and eating a heart-healthy diet
• Reduce stress
• Improve your mood and energy
• Adhere to your prescribed heart medication schedule
• Prevent future illness and death from heart disease
• Improve your ability to complete everyday tasks and chores

Cardiac Rehabilitation at Embassy Healthcare

We provide quality cardiac care to all short- and long-term residents. Our unique clinical approach ensures you get the care you need to get healthier. We want you to leave the cardiac care program with information and routines to succeed at home.

Our cardiac rehabilitation program emphasizes preventative care and continued heart health education. We’ll provide you with the necessary tools, like a personalized diet and exercise plan, to successfully manage and live with your heart condition or recover from a heart attack or surgery.

Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online to learn more about our cardiac rehabilitation capabilities.