Cardiac Rehab: Your Heart’s Comeback Journey
When you think of “rehab,” you might picture a sports star bouncing back from injury. But did you know your heart can also go through rehab? It’s called Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) – and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in healthcare.
Unfortunately, only about 20–30% of people who are eligible actually complete it. That means too many people are missing out on one of the most effective ways to improve recovery, prevent future heart issues, and simply feel better.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac Rehab is a structured, supervised program designed to help people recover after heart surgery, heart attacks, or other cardiac conditions. But it’s much more than exercise – it’s a complete lifestyle tune-up.
The main goals are to:
- Support healthy lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition, stress management).
- Improve quality of life, function, and independence.
- Reduce symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and low mood.
- Prevent future complications and hospital visits.
- Bring together a multidisciplinary team – physios, exercise physiologists, cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and more – to give you the best chance at long-term success.
The Three Phases of Cardiac Rehab
Think of CR as a journey with three steps:
- Phase 1: Inpatient (Hospital Stay)
- Begins just days after surgery or a cardiac event.
- Focus: gentle movement, education, and preventing deconditioning.
- Phase 2: Outpatient (Supervised Program)
- Kicks off once you leave hospital.
- Structured exercise with close monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm.
- Includes light aerobic work, stretching, and gentle resistance training.
- Pro tip: avoid holding your breath during exercise (the Valsalva effect).
- Phase 3: Maintenance (Community Rehab)
- Long-term exercise and lifestyle support – often in clinics like PhysioHealth.
- Sadly, only around 30% of people make it this far, often due to low referral and participation rates.
- This phase is where real life changes stick, and where you future-proof your heart health.
Exercise Testing & Safety
Not all fitness tests are suitable for heart patients. For example, the Bruce Treadmill Test – which rapidly ramps up speed and incline until near exhaustion – is not recommended for most cardiac rehab clients.
Instead, safer options include:
- Individualised aerobic capacity assessments
- Modified strength tests (5–10RM rather than 1RM max lifts)
- Spirometry & HR monitoring
- Pulse oximetry and ECG monitoring for extra safety
And yes, there are cool gadgets too – like the AliveCor Kardia Mobile ECG. This pocket-sized device can detect arrhythmias within 30 seconds, right after exercise.
Why Cardiac Rehab Matters
Skipping cardiac rehab is like ignoring the final stage of healing after an injury. Research shows it can:
- Improve survival.
- Reduce hospital readmissions.
- Cut costs (for individuals and the healthcare system).
- Boost mood, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
In short: it’s about more than your heart – it’s about getting your life back.
Final Word
If you or someone you love has been through a heart event, don’t miss out on this life-changing program. Cardiac Rehab is where medical care meets everyday life – helping you move, breathe, and live with confidence again.
Your heart has been through a lot. Cardiac rehab gives it the comeback it deserves.
