Wilshire Network Sites

CARDIAC REHABILITATION WEEK
FEBRUARY 13 - 19, 2010

“Cardiac Rehabilitation: Building a Strong Heart. You can do it. We can help,” the theme of National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 2011, reflects the dedication of cardiac rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve to the goal of reducing the devastating effects of heart disease.

Most heart disease patients can help lower their risk of future heart problems if they make changes to improve their health. Building a healthier future is a partnership between you and the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who can help you change your health habits. You can play an active role in making these changes.

Taking an active role in your care will help you enjoy a healthier future. Know your goals, make changes in your health habits and take your medicines correctly. You can reduce future problems if you react quickly to new or worsening symptoms.

What is cardiac rehabilitation? 
Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as stinting and angioplasty. Cardiac rehab programs usually provide education and counseling services to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.

Who needs a cardiac rehab program?
Many people of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. You may benefit if you have or have had a:

• Heart attack
• Heart condition, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), angina or heart failure
• Heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty) and stinting, valve replacement, or a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

What kinds of services do programs offer?
Programs often include:

• A medical evaluation to figure out your needs and limitations. The medical staff uses this information to tailor a rehabilitation program for you and help you set goals.
• A physical activity program tailored to your needs. Training often starts in a group setting where your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored during physical activity. You may work with a physical therapist, exercise physiologist or other healthcare professional. You learn how to check your heart rate and your level (intensity) of activity. Later, you work up to more intense aerobic activity on a treadmill or exercise bike.
• Counseling and education to help you understand your condition and how to manage it. You may work with a dietitian to create a healthy eating plan. If you smoke, you may get counseling on how to stop. Counseling may also help you cope with depression, anger and stress during your recovery.
• Support and training to help you return to work or your normal activities and to help you learn to manage your heart condition.

How can I find out about programs in my community?
Your doctor may refer you to a program or you can ask your doctor or nurse for a recommendation. Hospitals often offer cardiac rehabilitation programs. So do some community groups, such as your local senior or civic centers. Cardiac rehab is often covered by health plans and Medicare for the first two or three months.
Find a program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This link is provided for convenience only, and is not an endorsement or assurance of the entity or any product or service.

If you have any questions please contact us BestCare Southern California Home Health Agency (310) 586-0710