Cardiac Rehab Qualifications

The American Heart Association, in partnership with the American College of Cardiology, developed performance measures for heart attack victims in 2008. The measure is a mandate in the care of heart attack patients. Using the performance measures and following the four phases for cardiac rehabilitation according to national clinical guidelines is the best treatment for recovery for cardiac patients. Qualifying a patient for a cardiac rehabilitation program takes place while the patient is recovering in the hospital. Steps are taken to assure that each patient receives individual assessment of their cardiac history and rehabilitation plan.

Qualifying Heart Conditions

• The treating physician determines if the patient qualifies for a cardiac rehabilitation program. The physician issues a prescription to a rehabilitation program. An evaluation of the patient's health will determine the intensity of the program. Qualifying factors include heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, chest pain and congenital heart disease. Heart conditions such as these may have received treatment in the past and it became necessary to include a more comprehensive plan. Many of these conditions are chronic and may require surgical intervention.

  The cardiac team that determines the individual program includes cardiologists, nurses and therapists. It can also include physiologists and psychiatrists.

Qualifying Surgical Conditions

• Surgical procedures that require cardiac rehabilitation are bypass surgery, angioplasty, transplant and valve replacements. Initial treatment includes coughing exercises to eliminate mucus in the lungs and bronchi, and walking. These exercises begin in the hospital. Patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program that will cover the next six months of exercise, education and support. Factors considered for a cardiac rehabilitation program include the condition of the heart, vitals, age, physical mobility and lifestyle.

Qualifying Rehabilitation Program

• According to the American Heart Association, comprehensive heart attack care includes referral to a cardiac rehabilitation program. The Mayo Clinic outlines the rehabilitation phases as medical evaluation that will be the foundation of any physical exercise; physical activity that can include walking, rowing and jogging; lifestyle education that covers eating, cholesterol, smoking and weight; and support that includes counseling for depression and anxiety. The use of the cardiac rehabilitation program is long-term.

Risks

• The cardiac team tries to anticipate any situations that can cause injury by evaluating and qualifying the patient for exercise. General health is an important consideration when developing an exercise program. Muscle strains and broken bones can occur. The health care team guides the patient during exercise and educates the patient on how to avoid injuries.