Cardio Physiotherapy or Cardiac Rehabilitation encourages patients with a history of heart diseases to live an active life. It helps the patient recover physically and psychologically. The program is customized by a team of professionals; it focuses on a better lifestyle for patients involving exercise, balanced diet, emotional counseling, and proper medication.
The team consists of
the doctor who recommended this therapy (mostly cardiologist or physician)
nurse (preferably specialist in these cases)
physiotherapist
counselor
pharmacist
dietician
psychologist
therapist
Apart from these professionals, the involvement of friends and family is crucial and makes the process even easier and quick; this requires team effort.
Goal of Cardiac rehabilitation
The basic aim of cardiac rehabilitation is to decrease the probability of heart-related diseases that are likely to happen. It improves the lifestyle and quality of living; And it also lessens the conditions from worsening.
It can be life-saving; few goals of this program are listed below.
improves the functioning of heart
relieves palpitations
helps in working efficiently
increases the functional capacity of a person
reduces the risk of sudden deaths due to cardiac arrests
relieves depression and anxiety
promotes self-confidence
helps to manage stress
encourages to quit smoking
promotes to be physically active
helps in making better dietary decisions
reduces the medical costs
promotes movement and early discharge (if admitted)
Cardiac rehabilitation is opted for people with various types of heart diseases. Particularly, one benefits by cardiac rehabilitation if the medical history includes:
Heart failure
Heart or lung transplant
Pulmonary hypertension
Cardiomyopathy
Heart attack
Certain congenital heart diseases
Peripheral artery disease
Angioplasty and stents
Coronary artery disease
Chest pain (angina)
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement
Even if the person is not suffering from the above condition (s), and wants to take up the cardiac rehab program, it is still advisable because it reduces the risks of any diseases.
Risk Factors to be considered:
The risk factors to be considered can be classified into two modules: modifiable and non-modifiable.
Non-modifiable factors include
Gender
Age
Family history of cardiovascular diseases
Patient’s cardiac history
Diabetes
Modifiable factors include
Obesity
Stress
Smoking
Hypertension
Alcohol intake
Depression
Inactivity
How to Choose a Rehab Program?
One should consider the below-mentioned points while choosing a rehabilitation program:
A referral is important from a reputed doctor to enter the program.
The doctor should be reported regularly regarding patient’s progress reports.
A stress test is done under doctor’s supervision before starting the program in order to identify the risks of exercise program and also to design activity guidelines. One is to be informed of the benefits and risks.
The availability of the counseling services for the patient’s family members and caregivers is to be checked in advance.
The trained staff tailors a specially customized treatment plan based on the risks.
Check the procedures during emergencies, for instance, emergency equipment and supplies.
The program can run from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s condition and recovery rate. It usually takes place in hospitals or rehabilitation centers and sometimes the patient’s home. The various means of these programs can be: on the internet, over telephone or face-to-face.
The program consists of a combination of:
Exercise
Nutrition counseling
Emotional support
Education about the condition
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation:
The program usually comprises of four phases; the term ‘phases’ is used to highlight the fact that the time may vary in each part.
Phase 1: Time when the patient is in the hospital
A professional from the team visits the patient to:
support and inform his family regarding the heart disease
identify the risk factors
discuss the modifications in lifestyle that are risky & provide a plan to support the changes in it
plan a discharge activity program
encourage the patient to stick to the plan and start daily walks
inform about the details of phase 2 and 3
At this stage, the activity levels progress and depends on the patient’s medical condition. The patient is to be monitored carefully to detect any signs of cardiac decompensation.
Educational sessions should be commenced providing information re:
Psychological reactions to the event
Cardiac pain/symptom management
Correction of cardiac misconceptions
Phase 2: Events Post Discharge
The goals of this phase are to:
reinforce cardiac risk factor modification
Provide education and support to patient and family
Promote continuing adherence to lifestyle recommendations
Support and education can be provided through phone calls and home visits.
