Cardiac Rehab Helps Improve Quality of Life
Having a heart attack, congestive heart failure or heart surgery can be scary. The recuperation process leaves some people weak and anxious. There may be new instructions to follow and medications may be part of a new daily routine. However, cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) helps those recovering from heart issues strengthen their heart muscle while finding new ways to cope and reduce or prevent the likelihood of future heart issues.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps improve cardiovascular health. The goals of the program are to improve strength and endurance; reduce cardiac symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pains; improve overall health; and reduce the risk of future cardiac problems. The program includes exercise, education, lifestyle modifications and counseling.
“People recovering from cardiac issues need regular physical activity so that the body retains its strength and ability to function well,” said Ruth Sepesky, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. “Multiple studies have shown that people who participate in a cardiac rehab program following heart surgery or a heart attack and make lifestyle changes have a better quality of life.”
In addition to exercise, which helps stimulate the cardiovascular system by getting the heart pumping, education about healthy living and lifestyle modifications are important. Common questions that are addressed include, “Do you need to eat healthier? Should you extinguish the smoking habit? Is exercise part of your normal routine?”
“An effective cardiac rehab program teaches people how to avoid future heart problems through lifestyle changes such as better nutrition, medication management and stress reduction,” added Ruth.
It is common for people to experience some depression following a heart problem and dark thoughts as well as stress, tension and anxiety can negatively affect the recovery process. Counseling also is part of the cardiac rehabilitation program. It not only helps people manage the negative impact of stress on the cardiovascular system, but it helps people learn to cope with lifestyle changes.
Who Benefits from Cardiac Rehabilitation?
People of all ages with a variety of heart issues can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies have found that cardiac rehabilitation helps those with mild, moderate or severe heart problems including those who:
- Have had a heart attack
- Have been diagnosed with heart failure, angina, or coronary artery disease
- Have had an artery opened through cardiac catheterization
- Have had bypass surgery, valve replacement or other heart procedures
- Have chronic heart problems such as congestive heart failure
Is Cardiac Rehabilitation Covered by Insurance?
Cardiac rehab is typically covered by most private health insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid when it is prescribed by a physician.
Who Provides Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Several medical professionals are involved in cardiac rehab including registered nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists and stress management instructors.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers cardiac rehabilitation programs throughout Pennsylvania that are designed to help individuals achieve a higher quality of life through exercise and education while improving their mental and physical health. To learn more visit www.phhealthcare.org/cardiacrehab.
