Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation


Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) is a supervised program that uses exercise, education, and support to help people recover from a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart problems. Cardiac rehab programs are medically supervised and individually designed based on a person's needs and overall health.

A rehab program helps people:

  • Reduce the risk of dying of heart disease.
  • Reduce cardiac risk factors, such as increased weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
  • Control symptoms of heart disease.
  • Be more active.
  • Improve their quality of life.
  • Return to their usual activities, including work.

Last Updated:October 8, 2008

Author:Robin Parks, MS

Medical Review:Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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