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Cardiac rehabililtation
Following a heart attack, cardiac rehabilitation is essential if you are to be restored to full health.
Most hospitals now offer cardiac rehabilitation programs. These will typically include exercise sessions, advice on lifestyle choices, dietary information, and relaxation techniques. The aim of cardiac rehabilitation is to rebuild your confidence and return you to a full life.
Hospital program usually start around four weeks after you have been released from hospital, and will typically involve attending once or twice a week for between 6 and 12 weeks.
Most programmes cover three main areas, exercise, lifestyle, and relaxation:
- Exercise: Following an initial assessment, a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will design a program to meet your specific needs. You will first warm-up, then perform some aerobic exercise. Over the course of the program you will gradually increase your exercise periods.
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Relaxation: You will be instructed in a variety of relaxation techniques, allowing you to find that one that works best for you.
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Lifestyle information: This will usually involve a number of structured sessions, covering topics such as:
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How the heart works and why it can go wrong
- Identifying your risk factors
- Healthy eating
- Recognising and managing stress
- How to quit smoking
- Medication.
- What to do in an emergency.
- Driving
- Holidays
- Returning to work
The combination of appropriate exercise, relaxation techniques and good advice will soon have you back on your feet.
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