Is Cardiac Rehabilitation Effective?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a vast global problem accounting for the leading reason of death worldwide. Acute myocardial Infraction (AMI) is the most public cause of death from CHD. Identifying this problem and the need to rehabilitate patients’ physiatrists recommend the provision of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services. CR is a multi-component involvement generally including of structured exercise training, psychological support and education to promote positive lifestyle changes. Enhancements in risk factors, mortality, morbidity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) have all been linked with CR attendance.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation:

Heart Health

Ø  Improves:

·         Cholesterol and blood pressure measures

·         Ability to participate in exercise

·         Likelihood of quitting smoking                                                 

·         Heart function, for those with heart failure  

Ø  Reduces:

·         Progression of heart disease

·         Hospital readmission's

·         Emergency room visits

·         Angina pain

·         Need for cardiac medications

·         Risk for further disability

General Health and Well-Being

·         Quality of life

·         Overall Health

·         Adoption of healthy behaviors

·         Strength and vitality

·         Ability to return to work and social activities

·         Psychological well being

·         Ability to deal with stress, anxiety and depression

Cardiac Rehabilitation reduces the risk of all cause of mortality and cardiac mortality.