Cardiac rehabilitation is a customized program of exercise and education, for a person who is recovering from a heart attack. It’s aimed towards a better health after a heart attack. The goals of cardiac rehabilitation are to help the patient regain strength, to prevent the clinical condition from worsening and to reduce risk of future heart problems.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program focuses on incorporating lifestyle changes and provides the person all the necessary health based information and support. Cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly increase the patients chances of survival. Both the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend cardiac rehab programs.

The goals of cardiac rehabilitation are to help the patient regain strength, to prevent condition from worsening and to reduce the  risk of future heart problems.

It takes about two months for the  heart to heal after a heart attack.

 Physical and Mental State of the patient soon after returning from the hospital, after a heart attack :

In the first week after returning home from the hospital, the patient may feel tired or weak. This is because of the damage to his/ her heart muscle and the bed rest he/she had in the hospital

For the first few weeks, the patient should try -

• Get dressed each morning. He should be able to take care of all his personal hygiene(bathing, shaving, dressing).
• Develop a comfortable pace for himself by spreading the different activities throughout the day. If tired, the patient should take rest and schedule unfinished activities for another day.
• Patient may climb stairs at home as part of daily activity, unless the doctor has advised otherwise.
• Walk every day as prescribed by the doctor. A regular walking program is a good way to regain your energy. Ask the doctor about the right amount of exercise for you.
• When the patient feels stronger, he may return to light household chores, such as folding clothes, cooking, light gardening, dusting and washing dishes.
• Do not lift, push or pull very heavy objects until the  doctor says its fine to undertake these activities.
• The  doctor will advise when the patient can return to work, drive a car and begin more vigorous activities

Feelings after a heart attack

About one fourth of patients after a heart attack feel depressed, angry and afraid. These are normal responses that usually go away with time, as they  get back to their regular activities. Many survivors of a heart attack experience feelings of helplessness and depression. To help relieve emotional blues-

• Get up and get dressed every day. Do not stay in bed all day
• Get out and walk daily. Daily activity will help you have a healthy mind and body
• Resume hobbies and social activities you enjoy
• Share your feelings with your family, a friend or support group
• Get a good night’s sleep

Diet

Eating a heart healthy diet is very important to prevent future complications of heart disease. Strategies to reduce coronary artery disease include:-

• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes
• Choose fat calories wisely
• Eat a variety and just the right amount of protein foods
• Limit dietary cholesterol
• Use salt in moderation and further sparingly if you are hypertensive. Increase your intake of Potassium, magnesium and calcium

 Preventing future attacks-

Change your lifestyle-

There is no cure for coronary artery disease. In order to prevent the progression of this disease, you must follow your doctor's advice and make necessary lifestyle changes:-

Stop smoking

Smoking is directly related to an increased risk of heart attacks and its complications

Lower high blood cholesterol

A high fat diet can contribute to increased fat in your blood follow a low fat , low- cholesterol eating plan.

Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can damage the lining of your coronary arteries and lead to coronary  artery disease. A healthy diet, exercise, medications and controlling sodium in the diet can help control high blood pressure.

Maintain tight diabetes control

High blood sugars are linked to the progression of coronary artery disease. If the patient is a diabetic, its important to control high blood sugar through diet, exercise and medications

Follow a regular exercise plan

A regular exercise programme helps to regain or maintain your energy level, lower cholesterol, manage weight, control diabetes and relieve stress 

    Control Stress and Anger

Uncontrolled stress or anger is linked to increased coronary artery disease risk. You may need to learn skills such as time management, relaxation or yoga to reduce your stress levels.

 Madhavi Sharma [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]