TOPIC 1 Introduction: how cardiac rehab came about?
Cardiac rehabilitation, a set of comprehensive programs developed in the 20th century, contrasts starkly with the once-prevalent misconception of recommending bed rest for heart attack patients. Today, it’s understood that exercise holds plenty of physiological benefits for heart recovery. Guidelines from groups like the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association help guide this process, making sure it fits each person’s needs. Ultimately, cardiac rehabilitation stands as a beacon of hope, offering individuals recovering from heart-related issues a path towards comprehensive recovery and improved cardiovascular health.
TOPIC 2: Who will benefit the most from Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is patient-oriented and interprofessional prevention and intervention programme for patients with cardiovascular diseases such as:
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Myocardial Infarction
- Heart failure
- After coronary artery bypass surgery
- After heart transplantation
HOW DOES IT LOOKS LIKE?
The phases of cardiac rehabilitation provide a structured approach to regaining physical fitness after a cardiac event.
Physiotherapists play a fundamental role in the multidisciplinary team delivering cardiac rehabilitation by providing:
- Cardiovascular assessment
- Exercise prescription
- Patient education
- Guided exercise in phase 1 and 2
TOPIC 3: Beyond Exercise Training
In addition to rehabilitation exercises, a holistic cardiac rehabilitation program emphasizes empowering individuals to control modifiable risk factors associated with heart disease. Through education on nutrition, medication management, stress reduction, and smoking cessation, participants acquire valuable knowledge for maintaining heart health over time. By addressing these risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing further cardiovascular events.
TOPIC 4: What are some benefits of cardiac rehab?
- Group support:
Cardiac rehab programs offer support from various professionals and provide opportunities to interact with other patients who are recovering from similar heart events. This can help alleviate fear, reduce stress, improve mood, and prevent or reduce depression.
- Building healthier habits:
Cardiac rehab helps individuals develop healthier habits such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, and improved diet. Working with professionals like physiotherapists and dietitians can increase the likelihood of adopting these new habits, leading to improved heart health and overall well-being.
- Strengthening the heart:
Through structured and regular exercise, cardiac rehab promotes exercise-induced cardiac adaptation, leading to improved heart muscle function, circulatory function, and reduced cholesterol levels. This strengthens the heart and overall physical fitness, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of future heart-related illnesses or death.
CONCLUSION
In essence, cardiac rehabilitation offers a ray of hope for those on the road to heart health. By embracing this comprehensive approach to recovery and prevention, individuals can reclaim their vitality, reduce their risk of future heart issues, and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier life.
Prepared By
Wilfred Wong Wei Choong
Your Physio Puchong