Exercise program
Prescribing an individually tailored physical activity plan that takes into
consideration the underlying cardiac condition and cardiorespiratory fitness level
is essential. Utilizing digital tools, e.g., wearable physical activity monitors, should
help to maintain long-term adherence to physical activity.
e. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is commonly used to deliver exercise and lifestyle
interventions and consists of a coordinated, multifaceted intervention designed to
reduce risk, foster healthy behaviors and compliance to these behaviors, reduce
disability, and promote an active lifestyle for patients with cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular risk factor assessment and counseling on aggressive
lifestyle management
Education and support to make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk
of a secondary cardiac event
Development and implementation/supervision of a safe and effective
personalized exercise plan
Monitoring with a goal of improving blood pressure, lipids/cholesterol, and
diabetes mellitus
Psychological/stress assessment and counseling
Communication with each patient’s physician and other health care
providers regarding progress and relevant medical management issues
Return to appropriate vocational and recreational activities
Stretching and flexibility.
Stretching should be a part of your warm-up and cool-down every time you
exercise.
Aerobic exercise.
Aerobic exercise in a maintenance program is designed for a lifetime of
commitment. Make it enjoyable by choosing activities that you like. Examples
include walking, swimming, biking, rowing, and jogging. It is still important to
follow your health professional's advice to modify your intensity as you exercise.
Strength training.
Strength training continues to be an important part of your overall physical
rehabilitation and conditioning. Gradually progress as you feel comfortable. Be
sure to monitor your progress toward your goals.
Continue to follow the recommendations on correct technique, breathing, and
intensity to improve and/or keep your muscular strength and endurance.
Developing and maintaining a physically active lifestyle
The physical therapist is able to evaluate changes in the patient’s exercise
capacity over
time and can determine the relation between the patient’s subjective symptoms
and their
objectifiable defects.
it is important to encourage patients to perform regular PA and purposeful
exercise outside of program
participation. In addition to formal exercise sessions, patients should be
encouraged to gradually return to general ADL such as household chores, yard
work, shopping, and hobbies as evaluated and appropriately modified by the
rehabilitation staff. Participation in competitive sports should be guided by the
recommendations of the ACC Bethesda Conference
Promoting return to work. The patient should be encouraged
to partially resume their occupation while still in the cardiac
rehabilitation process. The physical therapist informs the pa
tient about any (physical) problems that may arise when they
resume their work, and about ways to effectively deal with
their symptoms at work.
Training to reduce risk factors 6
the patient adopts an active lifestyle: greater energy expenditure (as a
precondition to reduce overweight / obesity); reduced fear of exertion and less
stress; improved blood pressure response and reduced hypercholesterolemia;
improved insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
exercise
education
emotional support
Stop smoking
If you smoke, stopping smoking
Limit your alcohol consumption
STRESS MANAGEMENT
REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
MEDICATION
As you progress through phase 2 and into phase 3, your physical therapist will
prescribe more independent exercise and activity.
Take your medication on your normal schedule.
Wear comfortable clothing.