Cardiac rehabilitation, also known as cardiac rehab, is a comprehensive program designed to improve the cardiovascular health and overall well-being of individuals who have experienced heart-related conditions or procedures. This includes patients who have had a heart attack, undergone cardiac surgery (such as coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement), received angioplasty or stenting, or been diagnosed with heart failure or other cardiac conditions.

The primary goals of cardiac rehabilitation are to:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
• Reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
• Optimize cardiac function and reduce symptoms.
• Enhance the overall quality of life.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in cardiac rehabilitation by addressing various aspects of physical health and well-being. Here's how physiotherapy contributes to cardiac rehab:

• Exercise Training: Physiotherapists prescribe and supervise individualized exercise programs tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each patient. These programs typically include aerobic exercises (such as walking, cycling, or swimming) to improve cardiovascular fitness, as well as resistance training to enhance muscle strength and endurance. Exercise sessions are closely monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Risk Factor Modification: Physiotherapists educate patients about modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. They guide lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight management strategies, to reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
• Education and Counseling: Physiotherapists offer educational sessions and counseling to help patients understand their cardiac condition, medications, and treatment options. They guide symptom recognition, self-monitoring, and strategies for managing cardiac symptoms and lifestyle changes. Patient education empowers individuals to take an active role in their cardiac care and make informed decisions about their health.
• Psychosocial Support: Physiotherapists address the psychosocial aspects of cardiac rehabilitation by providing emotional support, coping strategies, and resources to help patients and their families adjust to life after a cardiac event or diagnosis. They promote positive mental health and resilience, address anxiety or depression, and foster a supportive environment for recovery.
• Functional Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists focus on restoring functional capacity and independence in activities of daily living for patients with cardiac limitations. They assess and address mobility issues, balance impairments, and functional limitations that may impact daily life and social participation. Functional rehabilitation interventions aim to improve overall quality of life and promote independence and autonomy.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Physiotherapists emphasize the importance of long-term adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors and ongoing exercise maintenance beyond the structured cardiac rehabilitation program. They provide strategies for integrating regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, and self-care practices into daily life to sustain cardiovascular health and prevent disease progression.

Overall, physiotherapy plays a vital role in cardiac rehabilitation by promoting physical activity, facilitating lifestyle modifications, providing education and support, and empowering patients to optimize their cardiovascular health and well-being.