Patients who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery or angioplasty with stenting may be uncertain about when they can return to everyday activities. Cardiac rehabilitation at is designed to help you recover from a cardiovascular event and make the lifestyle changes needed to prevent future problems.
Phase I rehabilitation begins while heart patients are still in the hospital and includes education about physical activity and symptoms that require medical attention. Phase II is a medically supervised outpatient exercise program at the hospital. Blood pressure and heart rate are carefully monitored during exercise. Patients also receive education, counseling services and support from others who have been down the same road.
