The life-changing benefits of cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, physician-supervised and patient-centered program designed to promote recovery and reduce the risk of future heart problems. 

Jacob Stone, program supervisor for the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute cardiac rehabilitation program, details the ways in which cardiac rehab helps with recovery after an event. 

What does a cardiac rehab program involve?

A cardiac rehab program combines exercise and education to support recovery and improve overall health. 

Patients participate in monitored physical activities tailored to their abilities and needs. These sessions are complemented by educational components that focus on disease management, nutrition, medication adherence and stress reduction. 

The program equips patients with the tools they need to regain confidence in their health and daily activities.

Who should participate in cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab is recommended for individuals who have experienced:

• A heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Stable angina (chest pain)
• Cardiac surgeries, such as bypass or valve procedures
• Coronary artery angioplasty or PCI (stenting)
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF < 35%)
• Heart transplantation
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Peripheral artery disease or intermittent claudication

For those seeking preventative care or who do not meet insurance criteria, a wellness program is also available. This self-pay option is ideal for anyone with cardiovascular risk factors who wants a guided and safe approach to starting an exercise routine.

How does cardiac rehab help reduce the risk of future heart problems

Participation in cardiac rehab carries a Class 1A recommendation, signifying strong evidence of its benefits. Research shows that it helps stabilize, slow or even reverse heart disease progression. 

Patients typically see improvements in their physical, mental and social well-being. Together, these improvements reduce the likelihood of another cardiac event or premature death.

The role of education and lifestyle changes

Education is a key component of cardiac rehab. Patients learn about risk factors they can control and how to improve them. Classes cover topics such as:

• Exercise and physical activity
• Balanced nutrition
• Disease management
• Stress reduction and relaxation techniques
• Blood pressure control
• Tobacco cessation
• Hands-Only CPR

Mental health benefits of cardiac rehab

Recovering from a cardiac event can be emotionally taxing. 

Anxiety and depression are common among patients, as they worry about returning to their normal lives. Cardiac rehab provides emotional support through education, peer connections and guided activities. Patients often regain strength and stamina, discovering they’re capable of more than they imagined.

Meet the cardiac rehab team

At UK HealthCare, the cardiac rehab team includes a diverse group of professionals:

• Exercise physiologists
• Nurses
• A registered dietitian

Team members bring their expertise to create a supportive and personalized experience for every patient.

Addressing barriers to cardiac rehab

Cost and travel are common barriers to participation. UK HealthCare offers a hybrid cardiac rehab program, combining in-person and home-based sessions. This reduces the number of visits required, making the program more accessible and affordable for patients.

The importance of a support system

A strong support system is an indicator of whether a patient will complete the cardiac rehab program and if they will continue to exercise and make lifestyle modifications after program completion.  

A strong support system can come from friends and family, but it can also come from cardiac rehab staff and other patients in the program. Cardiac rehab is very social, and patients can connect with other patients who have had similar events. 

What sets UK HealthCare’s cardiac rehab apart?

Our cardiac rehab program is the only one in the area offering hybrid cardiac rehab. Additionally, the inclusion of a dietitian and a demonstration kitchen provides patients with practical tools to adopt healthier eating habits.