Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Protocol for Heart Health Recovery

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program designed to help patients with heart disease begin to live a normal life. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac rehabilitation helps slow down or reverse heart disease, as well as prevent future heart attacks.

Identification

• Cardiac rehabilitation protocol includes the introduction of moderate exercise, lifestyle changes, cognitive therapy and nutritional education. The program is meant to move slowly and allow you time to gain your strength and prevent more heart disease.

Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, the success of any cardiac rehabilitation program depends on the compliance of the patient. One of the most important factors of an effective protocol is the cessation of cigarette smoke.

Types

• Cardiac rehabilitation is helpful to more than just patients who have had a heart attack. People with angina, congestive heart failure, or those with a pacemaker can all benefit from the program.