An additional 1,500,000 Americans suffer heart attacks. Most patients return to their usual activities within a few months after a heart attack of surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation monitors and improves the recovery. These goals are accomplished through treatments by nurses, physicians, health educators, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and others. Cardiac Rehabilitation provides exercise prescriptions to increase physical activity and fitness.
Many programs offer medically supervised and monitored exercise.
For heart patients, exercise lessens the risk and severity of another attack. Cardiac Rehabilitation teaches patients about their disease and how to cope with it. Programs are available on smoking cessation, weight control, reducing stress and other topics as well.