Clinical research has confirmed many benefits of cardiac rehab, including:1, 2
- Reduced (by up to 25%) risk of fatal heart attack.3
- Decreased severity of angina and decreased need for medicines to control angina.
- Reduced need for hospitalization because of heart problems. Costs for doctor visits and hospitalizations are reduced by 35% for those who participate in cardiac rehab. Visits to the emergency room are also reduced.
- Decreased blood pressure.
- Reduced shortness of breath and fatigue in people with heart failure.
- Ability to exercise longer (increased exercise tolerance).
- Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Decreased emotional stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Significant weight loss when exercise is combined with other changes in lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet.
References
Citations
Ades PA, Coello CE (2000). Effects of exercise and cardiac rehabilitation on cardiovascular outcomes. Medical Clinics of North America, 84(1): 251–265.
Gami A (2005). Secondary prevention of ischaemic cardiac events, search date February 2006. Online version of Clinical Evidence (14): 1–33.
Ades PA, (2001). Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 345(12): 892–902.
Credits
| Author | Robin Parks, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Cheryl Allind, RN, BS - Cardiac Rehabilitation |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | October 16, 2006 |
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