Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Single phase program supervised by an accredited KinesiologistPhases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
There are four phases to cardiac rehabilitation. The first phase occurs in the hospital after the cardiac event and the other three phases occur in a cardiac rehab centre or at home, once the patient has left the hospital.
1
Phase One
Acute Phase. Soon after the cardiac event, in the hospital with a physiotherapist.
2
Phase Two
Subacute phase. Out-patient phase, 3-6 weeks. At an outpatient facility, continual monitoring of heart rate.
3
Phase Three
Intensive outpatient therapy. Self-monitoring of heart rate and RPE. Supervised exercise – one on one and group classes. Increasing exercise tolerance and independence.
4
Phase Four
Independent ongoing conditioning. Essential to maintaining and preventing possible future cardiac events.
What defines a cardiac event?
A cardiac event is any incident or injury that may cause damage to the heart muscle. Such events may involve or include a heart attack, angina attack, or a heart surgery.
Importance of exercising for cardiovascular disease
Exercise is very important for cardiovascular health, even if an individual has never suffered a cardiac event. Exercise can help in cardiovascular disease prevention by lowering cholesterol levels, increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing exercise tolerance. This is important considering the high prevalence of heart disease in Canada.
The importance of exercise following a cardiac event remains. Studies have shown that cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly reduce risk of death and hospitalizations (for cardiac and/or other reasons).
Topics covered during the Cardiac Rehabilitation exercise program
- Aerobic training and recognising exercise intensity (RPE scale)
- Safe exercising with your condition
- Personal benefits of exercise. Good exercise habits
- Functional strength for activities of daily living
- Staying motivated and possible barriers to exercise
- Posture, balance and fall prevention
- Seasonal considerations
- Flexibility and range of motion
- Equipment free exercise session
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