The following exercise guidelines for phase I cardiac rehab may vary depending on your medical history, clinical status, and symptoms. These are just guidelines: You should discuss additional physical limitations or medical issues with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Your rate of recovery depends on age, gender, and other health conditions. Depending upon your condition and how you respond to rehab, you may stay in a particular phase or move back and forth among the various phases. There is no set length of time that you must stay in a specific phase.

Phase I cardiac rehab program

Phase I cardiac rehab, also called the inpatient program, happens while you are in the hospital and emphasizes exercise and education. Because people with heart conditions do not typically stay in the hospital for very long, phase I programs provide you with information about returning home. Phase I rehab usually includes:

• A customized exercise program, based on your needs, medical history, clinical condition, and symptoms.
• Discharge instructions about recovery activities.
• Information about your particular condition.
• Education on how to reduce your risk of further problems with your heart.

Your hospital rehab staff should be able to provide you with information and resources for making the transition from hospital to home, including the phase II programs available in your community.

Phase I exercise program

A phase I cardiac rehab exercise program should progress from initial supportive and self-care activities to regular daily walking.

• Approximate length: 3 to 5 days inpatient, including transition to home-based activities
• Physical goals: Increase appetite and strength, increase aerobic capacity

If you have had a heart transplant or valve replacement, phase I of your cardiac rehab may take longer.

• Approximate length: 1 to 2 weeks of inpatient care, including gradual transition to home-based activities
• Physical goals: Improve appetite, increase strength, increase lung capacity, and avoid rejection of your new heart if you've had a heart transplant. Exercise will progress from initial supportive and self-care activities to regular daily walking.