Starting Cardiac Rehabilitation

Starting cardiac rehab is one of the best things you can do to aid your recovery from a heart attack or heart treatment (such as surgery). These programs often start in the hospital and then continue on an outpatient basis once you go home. Continue to use what you learn after starting cardiac rehab to maintain a healthy lifestyle -- both now and in the future.

 

Starting Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Overview

Cardiac rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab for short, often begins in the hospital after events such as a heart attack or heart treatments like heart surgery. It continues in an outpatient setting after you leave the hospital. Once you learn the habits of heart-healthy living, you need to stick with them for life.
 

Starting Outpatient Cardiac Rehab

Outpatient cardiac rehab may be located at the hospital, in a medical or professional center, in a community facility such as the YMCA, or at your place of work. You may even have cardiac rehab at home. You will likely be advised to increase the amount of exercise you do. You will also receive education and encouragement to control your risk factors.
 

After Starting Cardiac Rehab

After you have learned the skills of heart-healthy living, you should continue to use them for life.
 You need your doctor's approval to get started in cardiac rehab. Tell your doctor or nurse if you're interested in cardiac rehabilitation and ask which rehab services or plans are best for you.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD