After a serious heart event or heart-related diagnosis, such as a heart attack, heart failure or heart surgery, regular exercise and living a heart healthy lifestyle are crucial.
However, for some people physical activity and learning how to improve their heart health may seem overwhelming. That is when participating in a cardiac rehab program can help.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients recover physically from a heart event and teaches them the skills needed to improve their heart health. Staffed by a team of nurses, exercise specialists, dietitians and other health care professionals who are led by a physician, a cardiac rehabilitation program helps individuals make healthy lifestyle changes to improve his or her quality of life and reduce the risk of another heart event.
What does cardiac rehab involve?
- Exercise counseling and training. Participants are educated on how to exercise safely through a personalized and monitored exercise program. Using equipment such as treadmills, cycles, elliptical machines and free weights they build strength, increase stamina and get their heart pumping to promote heart health.
- Education for heart-healthy living. Learn how to develop healthy eating and nutrition habits, as well as how to manage or avoid risk factors associated with heart disease, such as quitting smoking.
- Emotional support. Since cardiac rehab is a team effort, staff members also provide encouragement and assistance in developing coping strategies for the variety of emotions individuals may experience after a heart event, such as anxiety, fear, stress and depression.
To find out if cardiac rehab is right for you, talk to your physician or stop by Carroll Hospital’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Education Day on Wednesday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Shauck Auditorium. The event is free and no registration is required.
For more information about cardiac rehab, call 410-871-6741 or visit our website.
