Heart Disease Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Cardiac Rehab
Related Multimedia
Click on an icon to view.The cardiac rehab team may include:
- Doctors, such as your family doctor, a heart specialist, or a surgeon
- Nurses
- Exercise specialists
- Physical therapists and occupational therapists
- Dietitians
- Psychologists or other behavioral therapists.
(Click The Cardiac Rehab Team to learn more about your cardiac healthcare providers.)
There are two aspects to this type of rehabilitation:
- Exercise training
- Education, counseling, and training.
Exercise
Exercise training is the first part of a cardiac rehab program. It is designed to help you learn how to exercise safely, strengthen your muscles, and improve your stamina. Your exercise plan will be based on your individual ability, needs, and interests.
Education, Counseling, and Training
The second part of a cardiac rehab program involves education, counseling, and training. This is used to help you understand your heart condition and find ways to reduce your risk of future heart problems. The cardiac rehab team will help you learn how to cope with the stress of adjusting to a new lifestyle and to deal with your fears about the future.
(Click Components of Cardiac Rehab for a closer look at this topic.)
The goals of rehabilitation are different for each patient. In helping set your personal goals for cardiac rehab, your healthcare team will look at your general health, your specific heart problem, your risks for future heart problems, your doctor's recommendations, and, of course, your own preferences.
To gain more control over your cardiac rehab, remember your goals and keep important information where you can find it.
(Click Cardiac Rehabilitation Goals and Benefits for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD