Choose between regularly scheduled small group classes or individualized programs. Christiana Care features programs for both primary and secondary heart disease prevention. Primary prevention means eliminating or reducing risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease in the first place. Some primary prevention strategies include eating a heart-healthy diet , starting an exercise program or quitting smoking . These strategies are for people who do not yet have cardiovascular disease, but who know they could be at risk for the disease and want to lower that risk.
Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of secondary prevention.
Cardiac rehabilitation combines medically monitored exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle behavior programs such as stress reduction and smoking cessation. It helps prevent the recurrence of cardiovascular illness, improve your quality of life and extend your chances for long-term survival. When you participate in a medically supervised exercise and risk-factor modification program, you'll make more than just physical progress. By joining such a program, you'll benefit both emotionally and intellectually from the information and support you receive from the medical staff, as well as from the camaraderie with fellow program participants - others who understand what it's like to be living with cardiovascular disease. Copyright 1997-2001 Christiana Care Health System.