You might be surprised to know that, not all that long ago, the key advice given to people who had suffered a heart attack was to avoid anything stressful – bed rest. But the problems was, when people returned to life shortly after their recovery was deemed over, the number who went on to have further heart attacks and to suffer the worst of fates that accompanies that sort of event was high. The development of cardiac rehabilitation has been a key advance in medical care and potentially the most important application of exercise as medicine. It means that those who suffer a cardiac event can have confidence in their recovery.
A range of conditions, not just heart attack, have a need for cardiac rehabilitation. The include:
Diagnosed Coronary artery disease
Coronary angioplasty or ‘stenting’
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Heart failure
Heart transplant
An implantable device such as a defibrillator (ICD)
Cardiac rehabilitation encourages you to make lifestyle changes to help your heart to heal and become stronger – which means you can have a better quality of life. This type of rehab can help support you while you’re recovering from a heart procedure or prevent further heart conditions.
This takes a holistic approach to help return an individual with heart disease to an active and normal lifestyle and to prevent the reoccurrence of a further cardiac event. Just as importantly, the process should help you understand your condition and how to live with it by making the appropriate changes to your lifestyle.
The guidelines and considerations for exercise after a cardiac event include really ought to be managed in consultation with your cardiologist according to your specific condition, but generally all programs being with low intensity, short duration physical activity and progress weekly according to your capacity. It’s important that you slow down or cease exercise according to your shortness of breath, and chest pain should be monitored closely. If applicable, it’s important to have your angina medication available while you are exercising. Importantly, your exercise physiologist can help to monitor your progress and ensure your safety along the way.