Ways Cardiac Care and Rehab Can Speed Your Recovery

There are many heart conditions that you may deal with at some point. These can include heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, heart surgery, or angioplasty. Regardless of the issue you’re dealing with, you’ll likely require cardiac care and rehab to recover. There are a few types of cardiac rehabilitation included, which can be tailored as needed for your specific heart condition.

At Fairview Rehab and Nursing Home in Queens NY, we offer both inpatient and outpatient rehab therapies. These are customized to each patient to match their heart issues to help speed up their recovery. Keep in mind that the therapies discussed here are for educational purposes only. For more information concerning cardiac care and rehab, check out the following sections.

What Does Cardiac Care And Rehab Include

Cardiac care and rehab usually begin after you leave the hospital. The treatments offered are designed to help you recover from your heart condition and improve your overall health. Cardiac rehab involves a few different types of therapy, all of which are customized to meet your needs.

Nurse providing rehab to senior woman sitting on a wheel chair during cardiac care caused by congestive heart failure.

One part of cardiac rehabilitation is exercise, which strengthens your heart. Physical activity also improves blood circulation to improve oxygenation. This raises the levels of good cholesterol in your body while lowering bad cholesterol. Exercise also helps with weight loss.

Together, the benefits of physical activity increase your overall health as well as your heart health. It reduces the chances of more serious cardiac issues in the future. The exercises recommended can be tailored to match your capabilities to prevent injury. They include low-impact exercises, like walking, climbing stairs, cycling, cleaning, and gardening.

Cardiac care and rehab also include education about lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight and heart-healthy eating tips are both included with this program. You will also be encouraged to cut out unhealthy habits, like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Information on managing other conditions, like obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure can also be discussed.

Emotional support is another part of cardiac rehabilitation. Some individuals experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, which can affect their relationships with others. Therapy can help you learn to cope with those feelings.

Life after heart failure

Life after heart failure does require some changes, though it won’t completely alter your life. You will need to maintain heart-healthy habits to prevent future heart issues. Incorporating physical activities into your day, eating healthy, and learning to manage stress are all part of your new life. Over time, you may even improve your quality of life and feel better than before your heart condition occurred.

How long do I need cardiac rehabilitation?

The length of time required for cardiac care and rehab depends on the type of condition you’re dealing with. The average length of time needed for cardiac rehab is about 3 months, though it can range from 2 to 8 months. Those involved in more intensive programs may even require rehab for only a few weeks. Your rehab team will help you determine the right program to get you back on your feet with minimal risk.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.