Cardiac Rehab Exercise Protocols

Cardiac rehab not only involves physical exercise, but emotional, educational and nutritional rehabilitation. Patients that have suffered heart attacks or surgery can gain strength, reduce risks and prevent the condition from worsening. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise protocol involves three phases of rehabilitation designed specifically for each individual.

Cardiac Rehab

• During the first phase of the cardiac rehab exercise program, the patient is encouraged to walk. This takes place in the hospital. Hospital discharge includes a medical evaluation conducted to identify any risk factors that can limit physical activity.

  Phase II includes physical activity that will strengthen the heart and body. It can include rowing, walking, cycling and lifting. Getting an education concerning the proper diet and lifestyle can prevent some heart attacks. A nutrition plan eliminating high fat and sodium foods is developed. Smoking and heavy drinking is discouraged.

  Depression can follow heart surgery and heart attack. Counseling is offered and medication can treat the symptoms of depression. The patient will participate in two or three sessions per week for about 36 weeks. Cardiac rehab can help a patient return to a normal living situation. It's comprehensive in its approach and successful in restoring good cardiac health.

Exercise Protocol

• According to the American Heart Association a protocol for cardiovascular exercise for patients that have experienced heart disease and surgery includes three types of muscular exercise. The exercise goal is to put volume stress on the heart rather than pressure. This is accomplished through isometrics (muscle contraction without movement) and isotonic (muscle contraction with movement) and resistive (combination of isometric and isotonic).

  Exercise can produce nitrous oxide that plays a role in vasodilatation (the widening of blood vessels). This can attribute to healthier hearts for patients with cardiovascular disease.

  Occasionally a patient suffers injury from physical activity such as a sprained muscle or broken bone. Some patients are not candidates for cardiac rehab exercise due to the severity of their condition.

Long-Term

• Continued exercise during phase III of cardiac rehab includes two sessions a week for several weeks. Learning how to deal with stress, diet and physical activity provides the day-to-day skills necessary for long-term success.

Pediatric Cardiac Rehab

• Cardiologists from Boston Children's Hospital reported in 2006 that children with heart disease substantially benefited from cardiac-rehabilitation exercises. During a study, 15 patients between the ages of eight and 17 participated in cardiac exercises after a 12-week rehabilitation program. This resulted in improved exercise function, self esteem, behavior and emotional state.