What is Cardiac Rehab?
In honor of American Heart Health Month, we are pleased to present the recommendations of both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association regarding cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac rehab is a multi-pronged treatment plan that helps people manage certain cardiovascular health conditions. It consists of safe, progressive exercise training, which is geared toward each individual’s ability; education about therapeutic life changes, such as smoking cessation and heart-healthy diet; and stress management. Cardiac rehab can be provided in both outpatient and inpatient facilities.
According to both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, cardiac rehab is an important component of recovery from heart disease or heart surgery. Studies have consistently shown that in people with a variety of heart conditions, cardiac rehab reduces the risk of future heart problems, as well as lowering the overall risk of death from heart disease.
At a facility that offers SMART Rehab, such as Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Lakewood, NJ, these components are coordinated by a team of experienced therapists. By constructing each patient’s care plan in concert with their personal physician, maintaining contact with that physician through regular progress reports, and offering state-of-the-art therapy seven days a week, the SMART Rehab program at Atlantic Coast assures the best outcomes for its patients.
Moreover, cardiac rehab puts the patient in control of their own health, by helping them understand their condition, manage their medications, and adopt habits that are healthy for their heart.
Would I Benefit from Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab benefits those who have suffered from
Angina
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction)
Heart failure
Heart procedures, such as:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts (CABG)
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Pacemaker Implantation
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (also known as PCI or angioplasty)
Stent Placement
Valve Replacement
Will My Insurance Cover Cardiac Rehab?
Most insurers, including Medicare, cover the conditions listed above, with a referral from your doctor. With heart failure, cardiac rehab coverage is generally dependent on the extent to which the heart is incapable of pumping blood.
When Should I Enroll in Cardiac Rehab?
Depending on your medical condition, cardiac rehab may start while you are still in the hospital. In other cases it may begin a week or more after you are discharges.
How Long is a Course of Cardiac Rehab?
Because your program will be tailored to your specific needs, the length of cardiac rehab will vary. That said, most programs last no longer than three months. However, depending on your condition, you may be able to take part in an intensive program that lasts only one or two weeks, or you may benefit from a program that extends beyond three months.
Hear from a cardiac rehab patient, by clicking here or on the image above.