Patients and their families learn how to modify lifestyles to reduce their risk factors. Since CHD is lifestyle related and can be an inherited disease, it is important that the patient's spouse and children do all they can to decrease their own risk of heart disease. The second feature of rehabilitation is an exercise program. Patients exercise at an individually prescribed level indicated by their medical history and personal goals. Heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram may be monitored as they exercise.
Patients gain confidence by being active in a medically supervised setting.
The third feature of the cardiac rehabilitation program is support. Patients and their families benefit greatly from sharing experiences with others who are in a similar situation. They don't feel as alone in their fight against heart disease, and encourage each other to keep up the good work. Participants include those who had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty, people with angina, heart arrhythmias, hypertension, or other risk factors. Most insurance plans cover all or part of an EKG-monitored exercise program.