Cardiac Rehabilitation

What is cardiac rehabilitation ?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed for those who suffer from heart disease. The program reduces their future risk through medical evaluation, cardiac risk factor modification, prescribed & supervised exercise, education and counseling.

*Effects of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation:

1. Cardiovascular

·         Decreases myocardial oxygen demand

·         Increases stroke volume

·         Decreases heart rate blood pressure product

at submaximal workload

·         Increases anginal threshold

·         Increases vagal tone, decreased catecholamine levels

·         Improves coronary endothelial vasodilatory capacity

·         Optimizes antihypertensive therapy

2. Skeletal muscle

·         Increases muscle fiber area

·         Increases capillary density

·         Increases skeletal muscle vasodilatory capacity

·         Increases oxidative capacity

3. Metabolic

·         Improves lipid profile and permits monitoring of lipid-lowering therapy

·         Improves carbohydrate metabolism

·         Favorably modifies body composition and body weight

4. Psychologic

·         Lowers measures of emotional stress, anxiety, and somatization scores

·         Improves measures of quality of life

·         Hastens improvement of depressive symptoms

(*From Ades PA, Coello CE. Effects of exercise and cardiac rehabilitation on cardiovascular outcomes.

Med Clin N Am 2000; 84(1):251–65.)

Who can benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation ?

Patients with a history of:

• Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease
• Myocardial infarction
• Coronary artery bypass grafting
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Stable angina pectoris
• Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Heart transplantation
• Stable congestive heart failure
• Valvular surgery

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team:

•        Cardiologist / Physician

•        Rehabilitation Specialist

•        Clinical Nutritionist

•     Clinical Psychologist

The Facility

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program includes a scientifically designed set-up with safe exercise equipment. The equipment commonly used includes treadmill, bicycle ergometers, steps, strengthening equipment etc. Immediate access to resuscitation equipment adds to safety in case of cardiac emergency.

Monitored Exercise Sessions

Personalized exercise prescriptions are developed based on thorough evaluation & individual needs. The participant’s vital parameters are individually monitored by a trained therapist. The program is adjusted as participant’s progress.  Aerobic exercises & strength training are used to increase endurance and improve overall health.

Dietary Consultation

A clinical nutritionist meets with participants and family members to identify current dietary habits.  Together, goals are established to help the participant lose weight and improve their overall health.

Education

On-going education is central to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program.  Staff provides information that is essential to establishing a heart-healthy lifestyle including topics such as:

• anatomy and physiology
• signs and symptoms of heart disease
• risk factor modification
• stress management and emotional support
• diet and nutrition
• exercise

How to Enroll

To enroll in the program, individuals with heart disease must be referred by a Cardiologist / Physician.

Article by: 

Dr. Alok S. Patil

B.O.TH, F.C.R, M.O.TH

Director: Health Cure Rehab

5, Ground Floor, Rizvi Niketan, Behind City Light Cinema,

Gopi Tank Road, Mahim, Mumbai- 400016. 

Mobile: 9920211132

Email: patilalok@gmail.com