It can also ease depression. Supervised cardiac rehab programs carry a low risk if patients are properly selected and surveillance is adequate. There should be a 5 minute warm up and cool down period. Whether exercise training should be pursued at home or in a structured, supervised setting, depends on the patients physical condition, level of education, motivation and safety of the home environment. Prior treadmill testing is a requirement for all exercise programs.
Compliance is essential to prevent future problems.
Only a small percentage of eligible patients are referred to and participate in cardiac rehab programs. Cost and convenience are the usual reasons people give for not attending. Comprehensive cardiac rehab costs a fraction of what one hospitalization for MI, PTCA or CABG costs. One study shows cardiac rehab lowers cardiac re-hospitalization costs in the 3 years following a cardiac event. Patients return to work sooner, have lower outpatient medical costs and fewer emergency room visits.