What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab doesn’t change your past, but it can help you improve your heart’s future.

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health if you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery.

Who Is Cardiac Rehab For?

You may be eligible for cardiac rehabilitation if you have recently experienced or been treated for a heart-related condition.

  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Stent placement or balloon angioplasty (PCI)
  • Heart surgery (such as bypass surgery, valve repair, or valve replacement)
  • Heart failure
  • Stable angina (chest pain related to heart disease)
  • Heart transplant or mechanical heart support devices (in some cases)

If you’re unsure whether cardiac rehab is right for you, ask your doctor. Many patients qualify and don’t realize it.

The 3 Parts of Cardiac Rehab

It involves three equally important pillars:

1. Exercise Counseling

Exercise gets your heart pumping and your entire system working. You’ll learn how to move your body in ways that are safe and promote heart health.

2. Education

This focuses on managing risk factors—quitting smoking, eating heart-healthy foods, taking medications correctly, and understanding your condition.

3. Stress Counseling

Stress affects your heart. Rehab helps you identify and manage stress to protect both your mental and physical health.

Getting Started

You don’t need to face heart disease alone. Rehab is a team effort involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and your support system.

Your Checklist:
  1. Ask: Check with your doctor if you are eligible.
  2. Register: Sign up for a program near you.
  3. Set Goals: Work with your care team to define success.
  4. Plan: Create a personalized rehab plan.
  5. Act: Stay engaged and take medications as prescribed.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Understanding Your Condition

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common heart condition. It is often caused by atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque inside the arteries.

Much of your rehab plan focuses on slowing or reversing this buildup through lifestyle changes and medications. Understanding why the condition developed can help you stay motivated to reach your goals.