Should I participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program?

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), or “cardiac rehab,” is a multifaceted, medically supervised program proven to improve heart health and outcomes in people with certain types of cardiovascular disease. CR revolves around three major components: an individualized exercise and training program, education on topics related to heart health, and stress reduction. CR is currently recommended for the following diagnoses: angina (chest pain); heart attack with or without angioplasty or bypass surgery; heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); and heart surgery including heart valve procedures or heart or heart/lung transplant. Insurance typically covers CR for these conditions, though copayment, duration, and frequency of treatment may vary depending on the insurance plan. Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation The benefits of CR are well supported by long-standing evidence that showed a 20% reduction in heart-related death and illness, and a 28% lower risk for hospital admissions. The risk of nonfatal strokes, heart attacks, and worsening of heart failure symptoms were also reduced. Improvements in quality of life, the ability to carry out day-to-day activities, and measures of depression and anxiety have also been established. Patient satisfaction with CR services is consistently high. And most patients trace positive lifestyle changes to their participation in a CR program. What should I expect from CR? CR is an outpatient program that usually takes place in a medical cente...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Exercise and Fitness Health Heart Health Source Type: blogs