What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an individualized and personalized treatment plan, including evaluation and instruction on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and other health related areas. The primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to enable the participant to achieve their optimal physical, psychological, and social functioning through exercise training and lifestyle change.
Who benefits from cardiac rehabilitation?
People with any of the following conditions or factors will benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
- Current stable angina pectoris
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)/ or coronary stenting
- Heart or heart-lung transplant
- Heart Failure and those with ventricular assist devices
- Coronary artery disease equivalents such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease
What are the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation?
Recent scientific studies have shown that people who complete a cardiac rehabilitation program can increase their life expectancy by up to five years.
- Live longer and lessen your chances for another heart attack
- Control heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
- Stop or reverse damage to your blood vessels in your heart
- Lessen the physical and emotional effects of heart disease
- Improve your stamina and strength, getting you back to your usual activities, including work, hobbies, and regular exercise
- Improve your confidence and well-being
Is it covered by health nsurance?
Cardiac rehabilitation is generally covered by most health insurance companies but check your plan to determine copays or other requirements. Contact your local cardiac rehabilitation facility to inquire what programs are available for patients who do not have insurance.
What does it include?
- Assessment of your personal risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease
- Beginning and maintaining a personalized exercise plan that works for you
- Psychological/stress assessment and counseling
- Education and support to make healthy lifestyle changes such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Heart healthy eating
- Avoiding tobacco and environmental smoke
- Opportunity to meet and share stories with other patients like you
- Monitoring and better control of:
- Blood pressure
- Lipids /cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Improved communication with your doctor and other healthcare providers about your progress following your cardiac event
Where are programs located?
The AACVPR Program Directory will help you find programs near you. AACVPR Certified Programs are denoted.
Additional Resources
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is atherosclerosis or clogging of the arteries outside of the heart. This includes the arteries leading to your legs, kidneys, brain, arms, stomach and aorta. People with coronary artery disease are at higher risk of developing PAD, and vice versa. Just like atherosclerosis of your heart arteries, PAD can be treated with medicines, lifestyle changes, including exercise, and, if needed, surgical procedures. Look below for more information about PAD and lifestyle changes to prevent/manage PAD.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Controlling Blood Pressure
Managing Stress and Depression
Diabetes Management/Prevention