The complexity of the heart is a medical wonder – the fact that it pumps 6,000 to 7,500 litres of blood daily is an unbeatable feat.
But when a disease strikes and risk factors add up, the heart will succumb to limitations and complications.
One way to prevent the onset or complication of these conditions is through cardiac rehabilitation, and that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article.
What Is Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is an essential form of treatment that promotes good health, disease prevention, and palliative care. It is a medical intervention that helps afflicted patients—children, adults, and the elderly—regain mobility and confidence to live a more meaningful existence.
So, What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation, in a more specific sense, is a specialised outpatient program designed to improve the well-being of patients who suffer from cardiovascular ailments.
The Need for Cardiovascular Care
Cardiovascular diseases, or CVDs, are the leading cause of death globally. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that CVDs caused 32% of all global deaths last 2019, and 85% of these were due to heart attack and stroke.
Heart attacks and strokes are usually the first signs of more complicated underlying illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
WHO states that it is important to detect CVDs early on so that health management, counselling, and medication can begin. In most cases, though, problems with the heart and blood vessels are detected late.
Taking a Look into the Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, cardiac rehabilitation programs aim to improve cardiovascular function by limiting psychological and physiological stresses, thereby reducing the risk of mortality.
The program includes three technical phases to optimise the recovery of the patient. The cardiac rehab team includes physicians, physical/occupational therapists, nurses, speech and language pathologists, clinical psychologists, dietitians, and case managers.
The rehab team is tasked to review and study the various indications and contraindications of each special case to consult with the patient and his support system.
Three Phases of Cardiac Rehab Programs
1.The Clinical Phase begins through patient assessment and medical evaluation of the patient’s ability to tolerate rehabilitation.
The therapists will start with light exercises. Then, they teach the patient to conduct a range of motions and activities of daily living (ADLs). While doing so, stress must be highly avoided.
2.Outpatient Cardiac Rehab is the second phase. It entails three to twelve weeks of intervention, depending on each case.
The cardiac rehab team assesses the patient’s limitations in physical functions and activities. Afterwards, they create an ultra-careful patient-centred therapy plan giving advice, training, or relaxation exercises and tasks.
3.The last phase is Post-Cardiac Rehab. It promotes independence and self-monitoring. In this phase, patients are encouraged to engage in an active lifestyle through exercises that increase flexibility, strength, and aerobic conditioning.
Patients are also required to visit medical professionals and specialists regularly to monitor their improvement and cardiovascular health. The patients must be closely monitored to prevent relapse and achieve end goals.
What Are the Goals of Cardiac Rehabs?
The short-term goal of cardiac rehab includes controlling the symptoms and enhancing your functional capacity. Meanwhile, the long-term goal is to stabilise or reverse the buildup of fats in the arteries and ultimately lessen the risk of sudden death.
You should also note that maintaining a healthy lifestyle while enrolled in a cardiac rehab program is important. It is imperative to change unhealthy habits and non-beneficial activities to see the results of your exercises.
Staying inactive, smoking, and alcoholism are the intermediate risk factors that cost lives.
How Can You Maintain a Healthy Regimen?
Here are some power tips you can follow to promote a healthy lifestyle and create a conducive environment for improvement:
- Exercising at least three times a week is advantageous, as it improves mobility and muscle stiffness. Go out and enjoy low-risk exercises such as walking, jogging, or rowing. If you prefer to stay indoors, yoga and dancing are great ways to move your muscles, too!
- Eating healthy and lean is good for one’s cardiovascular health. Omega-3-rich fish, lean meat, legumes, and oats paired with fruits, leafy greens, and nuts are perfect for your special diet. Experts recommend reducing salt intake as well.
- Monitoring blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol should also be a part of the equation since they can affect your overall well-being. Invest in medical devices, such as a sphygmomanometer, glucose monitors, and cholesterol home test kits to monitor on your own or with the help of family members, caregivers, or healthcare providers.
Enrol in Sure Health Management’s Exercise Classes Today!
Cardiac rehabilitation has changed the lives of many. While improving the quality of life after suffering from a fatal accident or disease is an uphill task, it is not impossible to achieve when the patient has a clear end goal to live life fully.
Start taking the steps towards accomplishing your health and strength target today with Sure Health Management’s Exercises. Contact 03 9822 9996 for more details.
