We realized that the heart heals rather rapidly and that low levels of activity soon after a heart attack or bypass surgery prevent blood clots, improve breathing capacity and reduce the decline in fitness that occurs with prolonged bed rest. Today, even people with severely weakened hearts, which we call congestive heart failure, can be involved in progressive, moderate-intensity exercise programs safely and effectively.
Literature tells us that cardiac rehabilitation programs reduce the death rate by 20 percent to 25 percent. That's equivalent to some of the best drugs out there.
When is a cardiac rehabilitation program usually recommended?
Cardiac rehab is best for people who have either had an acute cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or people who have undergone coronary revascularization, which are procedures that restore blood flow to the heart. This includes bypass surgery and angioplasty. Cardiac rehab also an ideal treatment for people who have chest pain or chest pain on exertion.
Ideally, we're looking for people who are clinically stable, who are not having any ongoing symptoms, and who are interested in a combination of lifestyle modification and drug therapy to slow, halt and even reverse the progression of this disease.
How are patients referred to the program?
It could be through their cardiologist, their family physician, their internist or their cardiac surgeon. A patient can't walk in the door with their gym bag and say, "I'm here for cardiac rehab." But if a doctor feels the patient is clinically stable and they fit the criteria for cardiac rehab, they can refer them.
