Introduction
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular health after a heart attack, heart surgery, or heart condition diagnosis. This structured exercise program will help you safely regain strength and improve your heart health.
Program Components
Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Inpatient)
- Gentle breathing exercises
- Basic range of motion movements
- Supervised walking program
- Duration: During hospital stay
Phase 2: Early Outpatient (Monitored)
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Frequency: 3 times per week
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Duration: 8-12 weeks
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Activities:
- Supervised aerobic exercise
- Light resistance training
- Flexibility exercises
- Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
Phase 3: Ongoing Conditioning
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Frequency: 3-5 times per week
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Duration: Ongoing
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Activities:
- Independent aerobic exercise
- Progressive resistance training
- Home or gym-based workouts
Exercise Guidelines
Aerobic Exercise
- Target heart rate: [Individual rate provided by your healthcare provider]
- Start with 5-10 minutes
- Gradually increase to 30-60 minutes
- Activities include:
- Walking
- Stationary cycling
- Swimming
- Low-impact aerobics
Strength Training
- Start with light weights (1-3 pounds)
- 10-15 repetitions per exercise
- Focus on major muscle groups
- Allow rest days between sessions
Safety Precautions
Stop Exercise If You Experience:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive fatigue
Important Guidelines
- Always warm up and cool down
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise in comfortable temperatures
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Keep your nitroglycerin handy if prescribed
Progress Tracking
- Keep an exercise log
- Record daily activities
- Monitor heart rate
- Note any symptoms
- Track improvement in endurance
Follow-up Care
- Regular check-ins with cardiac team
- Periodic stress tests as recommended
- Adjustment of exercise program as needed
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or modifying your exercise program.