Through cardiac rehab, healthcare professionals work together to help you improve your functional mobility, decrease risk factors related to your cardiac injury, and help you and your family manage the psychosocial effects that may influence your recovery after a heart attack.
“Minor” heart attack (non-ST segment myocardial infarction) “Major” heart attack (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) Heart failure Angioplasty Heart bypass surgery
There is also some evidence that exercise-based rehab can help people diagnosed with stable angina.
Your cardiac rehabilitation team will include physical therapists who help evaluate cardiac function, assess impairments that may limit your mobility, and prescribe progressive exercise and physical activity to help you return to your normal lifestyle after a cardiac event.
There are four phases of cardiac rehabilitation. The first phase occurs in the hospital after your cardiac event, and the other three phases occur in a cardiac rehab center or at home, once you’ve left the hospital. Keep in mind that the recovery after a cardiac event is variable; some people sail through each stage, while others may have a tough time getting back to normal. Work closely with your healthcare provider to understand your progress and prognosis after a cardiac event.
If you’ve had a severe cardiac injury or surgery, such as open-heart surgery, your physical therapist may start working with you in the intensive care unit (ICU). Once you no longer require the intensive monitoring and care of the ICU, you may be moved to a cardiac stepdown unit.
The initial goals of phase one cardiac rehabilitation include:
Assess your mobility and the effects that basic functional mobility has on your cardiovascular system Work with healthcare providers, nurses, and other therapists to ensure that appropriate discharge planning occurs Prescribe safe exercises to help you improve your mobility, and to improve cardiac fitness Help you maintain your sternal precautions if you have had open-heart surgery Address any risk factors that may lead to cardiac events Prescribe an appropriate assistive device, like a cane or a walker, to ensure that you are able to move around safely Work with you and your family to provide education about your condition and the expected benefits and risks associated with a cardiac rehabilitation program
Once significant healing has taken place, you may be discharged home to begin phase two cardiac rehab.
Another important aspect of phase two cardiac rehabilitation is education about proper exercise procedures, and about how to self-monitor heart rate and exertion levels during exercise. This phase centers around your safe return to functional mobility while monitoring your heart rate.
Towards the end of phase two, you should be ready to begin more independent exercise and activity.
As you become more and more independent during phase three of cardiac rehabilitation, your physical therapist can help tailor a program of exercises, including flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic exercise.
As you progress through the cardiac rehab phases, METs capacity may be increased, which, according to research, should lower your risk of future heart problems.
Independent exercise and conditioning are essential to maintaining optimal health and preventing possible future cardiac problems. While phase four is an independent maintenance phase, your physical therapist is available to help make changes to your current exercise routine to help you achieve physical fitness and wellness.
A Word From Verywell
An unexpected cardiac event, like a heart attack or open-heart surgery, can be a scary and life-altering experience. By working closely with your healthcare provider and rehab team, and by participating fully in the four phases of cardiac rehabilitation, you can increase your chances of returning to optimal health quickly and safely.
