Five Things to Know About Cardiac Rehab
By Clinton Rivers, UT Health East Texas
Feb. 9-15 is Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, which highlights the life-saving role of cardiac rehab in helping people recover after heart attacks, heart surgery or heart failure. It raises awareness that recovery doesn’t end when patients leave the hospital — rehabilitation helps them return to healthy, active lives and reduces the risk of future heart problems. Clint Rivers, director of cardiac rehabilitation at the UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center, shares five things to know about this important topic.
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that includes exercise training, heart-healthy education, stress management and emotional support. It’s designed to strengthen the heart, improve quality of life and help patients safely regain confidence after a cardiac event.
Who should participate in cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for people who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or heart failure. Many people don’t realize they’re eligible, so we encourage patients to ask their doctor about a referral.
What can someone expect from cardiac rehab?
Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to support patients recovering from heart-related conditions and surgeries. Through medically supervised exercise, education and counseling, we help improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and stamina, and reduce the risk of future heart events.
What are the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation?
Research shows that cardiac rehab can reduce the risk of death by up to 25%, lower hospital readmissions, improve physical fitness and boost mental well-being. Patients often say they feel stronger, more confident, and better able to manage their heart health.
Are there different types of cardiac rehab?
Most locations offer comprehensive cardiac rehab services tailored to individual needs, but at UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center in Tyler, we also provide the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) program — a nationally recognized heart-healthy lifestyle program focusing on nutrition, fitness and stress management to optimize long-term heart health. The Pritikin program is one of two Medicare-certified intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs in the nation.
Clinton Rivers, BS, is Director of Cardiac Rehab at UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Hospital. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 903-596-3234.