Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program designed for patients who have undergone heart surgery. It aims to improve heart health and overall fitness through a step-by-step exercise plan tailored to each individual's needs.

Types of Cardiac Surgeries:

1.  Angioplasty:
A procedure where a small balloon is used to open up a narrowed artery. A stent is then placed to keep the artery open.

2.  Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG):
A surgery that uses a blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked artery in the heart.

3.  Valve Replacement:
Replacing a damaged heart valve with an artificial one made from human tissue or synthetic material.

4.  Pacemaker:
An electronic device implanted to regulate the heartbeat.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation:

Cardiac rehab helps improve your overall well-being by:

• Increasing the heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood during physical activities.
• Enhancing your ability to perform daily activities by improving physical fitness.
• Boosting flexibility and strength in your muscles.
• Preventing future heart problems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Types of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercises:

The exercise program includes:

• Aerobic exercises: Activities like walking or cycling that improve heart health by keeping your heart rate up.
• Stretching exercises: To increase flexibility.
• Strengthening exercises: To build muscle strength.

How Does Cardiac Rehabilitation Work?

A typical session includes:

1.  Warm-up: Light exercises to prepare your body.

2.  Cardio exercises: Activities that increase your heart rate.

3.  Strengthening exercises: To build muscle.

4.  Cool-down: Gentle exercises to gradually bring your heart rate down.

Your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored throughout the session.

Exercise Guidelines:

The F.I.T.T. principle is used to guide your exercise routine:

• Frequency: How often you exercise (5-7 days a week).
• Intensity: How hard you exercise (moderate level, where you can talk comfortably).
• Time: How long you exercise (30-60 minutes per session).
• Type: The kind of exercise you do (e.g., walking, cycling, swimming).

Aerobic Interval Training (AIT):

AIT alternates between intense exercise and easier recovery periods, helping you safely improve cardiovascular fitness.

Monitoring Exercise Intensity:

• Heart Rate: Your heart rate increases during exercise to meet the oxygen demands of your body.
• Effort Score: You should exercise at a level where you feel moderate exertion. If it feels too hard, slow down.

Who Can Benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab is beneficial for people of all ages and genders with heart conditions, including those who have had:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart surgery (e.g., bypass, valve replacement)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Angioplasty or stent placement
• Angina (chest pain)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Peripheral artery disease
• Heart or lung transplant
• Pulmonary hypertension

Cardiac rehabilitation helps you regain strength, improve your heart health, and live a healthier life.