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 Revised: October 5, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Latest Angina News
Pakistan president in Dubai for heart treatment

December 7, 2011 — ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is in Dubai for treatment for a heart condition, the government said on Wednesday, with one source saying he had suffered a minor heart attack and fuelling speculation that the unpopular leader may resign.

Heart attacks hit smokers younger: study

October 10, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Smokers tend to suffer heart attacks years earlier than non-smokers, suggests a new study from Michigan.

REFILE: Doctors rush to heart procedure before proven drugs

May 11, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Fewer than half of Americans with stable heart disease get guideline-recommended medicines before being rushed off for an invasive heart procedure, researchers said Tuesday.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health