Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) is a program for people who have recently had a heart attack or heart surgery or who have other heart problems. Cardiac rehab is designed to help people recover more quickly and more fully from their heart attack or surgery, improve their health and quality of life, and return to their normal daily routine.
Cardiac rehab often involves a team of health professionals, including a cardiologist, nurses, exercise specialists, physical therapists, dietitians, and others.
Rehabilitation consists of carefully planned exercise, strength training, and proper nutrition, all of which are based on your personal level of fitness and the condition of your heart. Exercise is designed to help you regain your strength and improve your heart health. Education and support are also important components of a cardiac rehab program that may help you learn to deal with the stress and emotional issues of rehabilitation.
Besides improving your heart and muscle strength, cardiac rehabilitation may also help lower your cholesterol level, blood pressure, and weight, and it likely will improve your sense of well-being.
For more information, see the topic Cardiac Rehabilitation.
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 | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Last Updated | January 8, 2008 |
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