{"id":23190,"date":"2022-02-02T17:45:23","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T17:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ten.co.uk\/?p=23190"},"modified":"2022-02-05T12:35:54","modified_gmt":"2022-02-05T12:35:54","slug":"cardiac-rehabilitation-recovery-after-a-heart-disease-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ten.co.uk\/recovery-after-a-heart-disease-diagnosis","title":{"rendered":"Cardiac Rehabilitation: Recovery after a Heart\u00a0Disease Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the cause of approximately a third of total yearly deaths worldwide. In the UK, an estimated 2.3 million people live with cardiovascular heart disease and the condition accounts for one in 5 deaths in men and one in 10 deaths in women.<\/p>\n

A heart attack, or a diagnosis of heart disease, can be a life-changing event. But with the right rehabilitation programme in place, it\u2019s possible to live a full and healthy life after diagnosis \u2013 and in many cases, a fuller and healthier life after rehabilitation than before diagnosis.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What is cardiac rehabilitation?<\/h3>\n

Cardiac rehab programmes aim to increase\u00a0the fitness\u00a0and capability of participants\u2019 cardiovascular systems and improve\u00a0muscular strength,\u00a0as well as to help them to lead full, healthy lives, while reducing the risk of suffering subsequent cardiac incidents in the future.<\/p>\n

Cardiac rehabilitation is increasingly recognised as an integral component of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. It\u2019s an important tool in\u00a0what\u2019s known as secondary prevention (i.e., reducing impact, preventing complications and reducing the risk of future recurrence). It should begin as soon as possible after hospital discharge.<\/p>\n

The good news is for anyone diagnosed with heart disease is that you don\u2019t need to face it alone; cardiac rehab is a team effort involving highly trained and skilled specialists across a number of areas. It may involve different therapies, including\u00a0exercise,\u00a0risk factor education,\u00a0and psychological support, and will often result in beneficial, healthier lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise habits and stress management.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_single_image image=”23195″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What does cardiac rehab look like?<\/h3>\n

Cardiac rehabilitation begins with a baseline assessment, usually conducted by a cardiologist, to assess the level of risk and to ensure that it\u2019s safe to start an exercise program.<\/p>\n

Possible tests include cholesterol and blood sugar levels, an electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac imaging tests, and a treadmill or stationary bike exercise test. This assessment will determine the content and progression of your exercise programme, which will be bespoke \u2013 designed around your needs and abilities, and to give you the best chance of success.<\/p>\n

Your rehab programme may involve a number of different health and wellbeing professionals, including\u00a0doctors,\u00a0exercise physiologists,\u00a0physiotherapists,\u00a0nutritionists\u00a0and\u00a0mental health specialists.<\/p>\n

The exercise element of a cardiac programme will be designed by the exercise physiologist following a further assessment, which will include:<\/p>\n