Cardiac rehabilitation

cardiac rehab · rehab after heart attack · heart rehabilitation program · rehab after stent

An exercise program supervised by a doctor and instructor, to help your heart recover after illness or surgery. It includes exercise and advice on diet and lifestyle.

After a heart attack, a stent, bypass or valve surgery, or with heart failure, when your doctor says it is safe.

⏱ Duration: a session usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes; the program usually runs several weeks. Your doctor will decide

Be sure to tell your doctor

Any chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat in recent days
All the medicines you take
If you feel dizzy or faint
If your joints or back hurt. Exercises will be adapted
If you have diabetes

How to prepare

Tests. Before starting, you usually have an ECG, sometimes a stress test and heart ultrasound. This helps set a safe level of exercise.
Medicines. Take them as usual. Do not stop them on your own. If you have questions, tell your doctor, and they will decide.
Food. A light meal 1 to 2 hours before. Do not exercise on an empty stomach or right after a big meal.
Clothes. Sportswear, comfortable shoes, and a bottle of water.

What to bring

Your hospital discharge papers and latest ECGs
A list of your medicines
Sportswear and shoes
Pills your doctor told you to keep on hand

How it goes

Before the session, your blood pressure and pulse are checked
Sometimes a heart monitor is attached
Warm-up: easy walking and light movements
Main part: exercise bike, treadmill, or exercises at your own pace
The load is increased gradually from session to session
At the end, a cool-down and another blood pressure and pulse check

What you'll feel

The effort feels moderate: you can talk, but singing is hard
Mild muscle tiredness after the first sessions

Afterwards

Your doctor will give you a plan for home exercise and walking
Keep a diary of your pulse, blood pressure, and how you feel
Regular exercise matters more than hard exercise

Contact a doctor straight away if

Chest pain or pressure that does not go away at rest: stop and call emergency services
Severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden dizziness: tell the instructor right away

Common questions

Is it dangerous to exercise after a heart attack?

Not under a doctor's supervision. The load is set from your tests and increased gradually.

Can I exercise at home instead of a center?

Part of the program is often done at home. Your doctor will decide what level suits you.