Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a combination of treatments, education, therapeutic programs and lifestyle modification. The goal is to improve heart health and prevent future heart problems, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death. Beginning a cardiac rehabilitation program in Le Mars, IA, may feel overwhelming and may make you feel like you are missing out on foods and activities you used to enjoy. However, research shows that cardiac rehabilitation can significantly reduce the risk of future heart problems and death.

Reasons for Cardiac Rehabilitation

After you have a heart attack or are diagnosed with certain heart problems or health conditions, your doctor may recommend visiting a cardiac rehabilitation specialist to discuss medical and health services that will improve your heart health. Our team of cardiac rehabilitation specialists can evaluate your risk of future heart problems, assess your overall health and lifestyle, and design a program that improves your health and quality of life. We work with people who have many types of heart disease and health conditions, including:

  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart transplant
  • Angioplasty
  • Stenting
  • Chest pain
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Lung transplant
  • Heart valve repair or replacement

Cardiac rehabilitation is done to:

  • Improve strength and heart function
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Improve respiration
  • Prevent a sedentary lifestyle
  • Improve weight
  • Reduce the risk of future heart problems
  • Improve overall health and quality of life

What Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Includes

We will design a personalized cardiac rehabilitation program that begins while you are still in the hospital and continues as an outpatient program once you return home. Our programs include:

Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercises

Cardiac rehabilitation exercises are designed to improve strength, stamina, and endurance, increase respiration, help you lose weight, improve mobility and quality of life, and reduce your risk of complications and future heart issues. You will work with a trained registered nurse to design an exercise program you will complete every day. This program will include low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or cycling.

Education and Lifestyle Modification

We provide education and recommendations for lifestyle modification. We may recommend that you get more exercise, lose weight, temporarily or permanently change your work duties, avoid high-risk activities and foods, follow a heart-healthy diet, reduce stress, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.

Counseling

We may recommend counseling if you are having trouble integrating your program into your life, are experiencing depression, anxiety, or mood swings related to your health, or if you have another comorbid condition or illness affecting your physical and mental health.

Medical Checkups

We recommend regular medical checkups to evaluate your progress and assess your risk.

How Cardiac Rehabilitation Will Benefit You

Cardiac rehabilitation can help you get back to living a healthy, happy life. Cardiac rehab can help you improve strength and stamina, and you’ll learn important tips on managing your health and reducing your risk of future health problems. The biggest benefits of cardiac rehabilitation are:

  • Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
  • Guidance and instruction on living a heart-healthy lifestyle
  • Improved diet
  • Improved strength, endurance and stamina
  • Weight management assistance
  • Assistance in quitting bad habits like smoking
  • Better mood and improved feeling of well-being

Contact Floyd Valley Healthcare to Learn More

Talk with your provider to learn more about coordinating cardiac rehabilitation care after a heart event. Our specialists will work closely with your physician and other medical specialists to create a personalized cardiac rehabilitation program in Le Mars, IA.