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Cardiac and pulmonary disorders are chronic conditions. The hallmark of both types of conditions can be progressive deterioration if not managed correctly. Other conditions like obesity, diabetes and hypertension can co exist with these problems. Management includes preserving heart/lung function, muscle strength, normal/close to normal blood work and reducing side effects of medications.
Cardiac rehabilitation/ prehabilitation is a program which helps patients with cardiac diseases, recent cardiac surgeries or patient undergoing cardiac surgery. It is a progressive program which involves combination of exercise training, social and mental support, nutrition and education regarding his/her condition, thus optimizing quality of life in these patients.
Before starting your program, the rehab team will take your medical history, do a physical exam, and perform tests. They will check the patient for all risk factors.
During the program, you will learn to exercise safely and increase your physical activity. The length of time that you spend in cardiac rehab depends on your condition.
After your program ends, you’ll need to continue the diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits for the prescribed time. The goal is that at the end of the program you’re confident to exercise on your own and you’re empowered to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Timely reviews will ensure you stay on track.
What are the goals of the program?
Lowering future risk through lifestyle changes.
Improved quality of life: Strengthening your heart and your body after a heart event.
Improved mental well being and reduction in overall stress/illness related depression.
Positive changes in health related behavior,
Better exercise tolerance leading to safely increasing physical activity in daily life.
Reduction in symptoms, repeat hospitalizations and complications.
Who is it for?
Patients post angioplasty/cardiac surgery.
Patients with underlying cardiac conditions like heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias (with/without pacemaker) etc.
Aspects that are kept in mind while planning the diet protocol are:
To create a tailored meal plan, a detailed examination of blood reports, list of medications is performed, followed by a dietary evaluation. You’ll receive advice on the best meals to eat to keep your heart and lungs healthy.
You will likely do a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, balance/coordination, breathing and flexibility exercises. The intensity and frequency will be structured based on the initial evaluation. Your exercise program will be specifically designed for you and progressively monitored for tolerance by a cardiopulmonary rehab expert. Some cases are likely to cause muscle wasting (called cardiac cachexia) so the goal is to preserve precious lean mass.
You will likely do a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, balance/coordination, breathing and flexibility exercises. The intensity and frequency will be structured based on the initial evaluation. Your exercise program will be specifically designed for you and progressively monitored for tolerance by a cardiopulmonary rehab expert. Some cases are likely to cause muscle wasting (called cardiac cachexia) so the goal is to preserve precious lean mass.
After a heart event, it is common to feel anxious and stressed. However, how long these emotions last and if they are coupled with depressive symptoms might affect your rehab recovery progress and potentially raise your risk of future problems. Our clinical psychologists can assist survivors in developing coping strategies
Mr. Haresh Ved, Post CABG