Cardiac rehabilitation is of key importance to ameliorate long-term
morbidity and mortality resulting from
cardiac intervention. However, much of the current literature is dense, unwelcoming and academic in style and format. For those
physicians understanding the scope of
cardiac rehabilitation there is a need to distill the guidelines and various management options available to them into a concise practical manual. Up until now, all references have looked at the general options, but there is definite need to investigate the practicalities of individual patient groups.Cardiac rehabilitation is a
medically supervised program to assist in the quick recovery of cardiac
patients while improving their overall physical, mental and social functioning.
The goal is to stabilize, slow or even reverse progression of cardiovascular disease, reducing the future risk of
heart disease, another cardiac event or death. Cardiac rehabilitation programs include: Counseling: so the patient can understand and manage their own disease process including nutritional changes Beginning an exercise program, while supplying information on the physical limits Helping the patient modify secondary
risk factors such as managing hypertension,
smoking cessation, reducing blood cholesterol levels, reducing
physical inactivity, obesity and managing diabetes. Lending emotional support and counseling on appropriate use of prescribed medications There is a need for practical guidance among all professionals involved in the management of these patients, from residents and fellows of cardiology and internal medicine, surgical teams, physiotherapy professionals, critical care physicians and family medicine practitioners.
