Understanding Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prominent contributor to global mortality rates and holds the highest position in terms of mortality in the United States.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary intervention tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients afflicted with diverse cardiovascular conditions, including:

A myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a medical condition characterised by the interruption of blood flow

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is a prevalent cardiovascular condition characterised by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a clinical syndrome characterised by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood

Myocardial infarctions, also referred to as heart attacks, are a serious medical condition characterised by the interruption of blood flow

Individuals who have received cardiovascular interventions, such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Cardiac rehabilitation program

The primary objective of cardiac rehabilitation programmes is to mitigate the psychological and physiological burdens associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), decrease the likelihood of mortality resulting from CVD, and enhance cardiovascular performance in order to enable patients to attain optimal quality of life. The achievement of these objectives is contingent upon enhancing the overall functioning and capacity of the cardiovascular system, impeding or reversing the advancement of atherosclerotic illness, and fostering the patient’s self-assurance through incremental training.

Indication

It is imperative that cardiac rehabilitation be made available to all individuals with heart conditions who stand to gain from its implementation.

Recent myocardial infarction

Acute coronary artery syndrome refers to a medical condition characterised by the sudden onset of symptoms related to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Chronic stable angina refers to a medical condition characterised by recurring chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a medical condition characterised by the heart’s inability to effectively pump blood to meet the body’s metabolic demands.

Following coronary artery bypass surgery

Following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Valvular surgery refers to a surgical procedure that involves the repair or replacement of malfunctioning heart valves.

Cardiac transplantation, often known as heart transplantation, is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or malfunctioning heart is replaced with

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CR) is initiated promptly within intensive care units, provided that the patient’s medical status is stable. The intensity of rehabilitation is contingent upon the patient’s condition and any complications that may arise during the acute phase of the disease.Empirical evidence derived from randomised controlled trials and systematic analysis demonstrates that early mobilisation has been found to enhance physical function in patients following heart surgery, as evidenced by a significant improvement in the distance walked during the 6-minute walking test, with an average increase of 54 metres observed at the time of release. Another prospective randomised clinical trial demonstrated enhancements in postoperative functional capacity, as measured by the 6-minute walk test. Additionally, this experiment found that the duration of mechanical breathing was reduced, dependence on oxygen therapy was decreased, and the length of hospital stay was shortened in patients who received elective Coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

The objectives of cardiac rehabilitation

A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme must encompass distinct fundamental components.

These components should aim to maximise the reduction of cardiovascular risk, minimise impairment, promote the adoption of an active and healthy lifestyle, and facilitate the long-term maintenance of these healthy behaviours beyond the completion of rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes ought to prioritise:

• Patient assessment nutritional counseling
• Weight management
• Blood pressure management
• Lipid management
• Diabetes management
• Tobacco cessation
• Psychosocial management
• Physical activity counseling
• Physical exercise training