Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise and education program for people that experience a cardiac event, aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors. You’ll learn how to safely increase the amount of physical activity you do. You’ll also receive guidance on other aspects of heart-healthy living, including how to eat healthy, ways to relieve stress, why it’s important to take medication as prescribed and how to improve mental health.

Anyone who has a heart problem requiring medical care or surgery—including moderate to severe heart disease, heart failure, heart surgery or a heart attack—can benefit from cardiac rehab.

“I urge my patients to take advantage of cardiac rehabilitation after a cardiac event,” says cardiologist Alan Ghaly, DO. “Treatment doesn’t stop at medication.”

Dr. Ghaly explains, “The program isn’t just about exercising; it’s more involved than that. The patient will get education about their disease process, medication and how to reduce risk factors. It is tailored specifically to each patient.”

Read on for answers to common questions.

Is cardiac rehab only for people who had a heart attack?

No, anyone who has a heart problem can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. If you have heart disease that’s being managed by a doctor or have recently had heart surgery or a heart attack, you may benefit from joining a cardiac rehab program. Even if you think you won’t be able to do the physical activity, joining a cardiac rehab program can help. Physical therapists and exercise specialists are trained to help people with physical limitations improve strength and mobility.

What are the benefits of cardiac rehab?

Benefits from cardiac rehab can help in both the short and long term. Research shows that cardiac rehab may decrease the chance of dying by about 35% in the 5 years following a heart attack or bypass surgery.

Benefits include:

• Strengthening your heart and relieving symptoms, such as chest pain.
• Making it easier to adopt and stick with healthier habits, such as exercising, eating healthy, reducing stress and quitting smoking.
• Helping you manage cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Increasing energy and strength to make it easier to carry out every day activities.
• Improving your mood.
• Making you more likely to take prescribed medication, which may lower the risk of future heart problems.

What if I think I can benefit from cardiac rehab but my doctor hasn’t recommended it?

If you think cardiac rehab is right for you, talk to your doctor and advocate for your health. Primary care physicians are less likely to refer patients for cardiac rehab than cardiologists or cardiothoracic surgeons. Research also shows you’re less likely to be referred if you are a woman or an older adult, do not speak English or live in an area where cardiac rehab is not locally available.

“I tell my patients to think of it as physical therapy for the heart. I have seen my patients benefit greatly from this program,” says Dr. Ghaly.

To learn more about Deborah’s cardiac rehabilitation program, click here or call 609-735-2962.

Listen to cardiologist Alan Ghaly, DO interview with KYW News Radio on the topic of “Cardiac Rehabilitation.”

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