At-Home and In-Person Cardiac Rehab: Strengthening Hearts | UMass Memorial Health
Recover after a heart event with cardiac rehab options that fit your needs, including in-person care and virtual cardiac rehab support. After experiencing a heart event, such as a heart attack or heart. . .
Recover after a heart event with cardiac rehab options that fit your needs, including in-person care and virtual cardiac rehab support. After experiencing a heart event, such as a heart attack or heart surgery, patients often face a challenging road to recovery. One of the most effective ways to aid this recovery is through cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) programs. According to theAmerican Heart Association, cardiac rehab is an underutilized service, yet it offers significant benefits for heart health and overall well-being. Who Benefits from Cardiac Rehab?Cardiac rehabis designed for individuals who have experienced heart-related events or conditions, such as:Heart attacksHeart surgeriesChronic heart diseasesAnginaHeart failureThe program is tailored to help patients regain their strength, improve their heart health and reduce the risk of future heart-related issues. Essentially, anyone who has had a heart event or is at risk of heart disease can benefit from cardiac rehab. What Are the Benefits of Cardiac Rehab?Cardiac rehab offers many benefits:Strengthens the heart: Through supervised exercise and educationImproves cardiovascular health: Reduces the risk of future heart eventsPromotes healthier lifestyle choices: Through heart-healthy nutrition, stress management and quit smoking educationProvides emotional support: Helps patients cope with the psychological impact of a heart eventWhat Are My Options?The best news is that patients have options with how they take part in their rehab. Both virtual and in-person programs are available. Virtual Cardiac Rehab: A Convenient and Effective OptionTo address barriers to care, virtual cardiac rehab may be an option. This program is ideal for patients who prefer to participate in an at-home setting. Virtual programs may offer:Weekly one-on-one coachingOnline fitness programsHelp with diet, medications and overall healthAccess to a diverse, multilingual team, including:NursesDiabetes educatorsDietitiansSocial workersPersonalized treatment plans and remote monitoring (through provided devices, such as a scale and wearable devices) ensure that patients receive comprehensive care customized to their needs. After completing the initial course, patients may opt for a maintenance program to continue their progress. Why Consider a Virtual Option?Virtual cardiac rehab offers several advantages:Can participate from the comfort of your homeIdeal for those with mobility or transportation challengesCan stay connected with your healthcare teamTreatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferencesIn-Person Cardiac Rehab: Comprehensive CareSome patients prefer or require in-person care to reduce the risk of future heart-related issues. These programs include:Medical evaluationsIndividualized and supervised exerciseEducation on improving cardiovascular healthPatients benefit from the direct supervision and support of healthcare professionals, ensuring a safe and effective recovery process. Cardiac Rehab: Vital to Recovery and Long-Term Heart HealthCardiac rehab is a vital component of recovery and long-term heart health. Talk to your doctor about a referral. Consider enrolling in a cardiac rehab program today to take the first step towards a healthier heart and a better quality of life. Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for the professional consultation of a physician or qualified health care provider. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding a health or medical condition, contact your physician or a licensed health care professional.