Heart patients who benefit include those who have had:

• a heart attack or other forms of heart disease, such as angina
• bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, stent placement or other heart surgery or
• a heart transplant

Cardiac rehab programs focus on exercise, education, counseling, and behavior change. Exercise is usually done in a group setting, but is personalized to each patient's specific need. Education focuses on managing heart disease, meeting dietary goals, understanding self-management, and following a treatment plan. Counseling identifies high-risk behaviors. Behavior change skills are taught on how to adopt low risk healthy behaviors.

Cardiac rehab programs are crucial for recovery. A program may be started when a heart disease patient is in the hospital and last from several weeks to several months. The rehab team is made up of nurses, doctors, therapists, dietitians, and other specialists. It is very important to adhere to instructions, ask questions, and report any symptoms. Heart monitoring is always available. Be sure to check with your insurance company before starting a cardiac rehab program to find out what benefits you have.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CARD3481.RF2 VRS# 6177 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

For related information; see Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, 319-384-5089