Next week from Feb. 14 – 20, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation will recognize Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, which aims to raise awareness about the benefits of rehabilitation and how it can reduce the devastating effects of heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about one in four Americans die every year from it. Heart disease is preventable or treatable with lifestyle choices, but the American Heart Association states that nearly 60 percent of people put no effort into improving their heart health.

Although some individuals may be at higher risk than others, it is imperative to take action in preventing and improving cardiac health. If you have suffered from a heart attack or other form of heart disease, cardiac rehabilitation can help you improve your health and recover through lifestyle changes.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, refers to a number of conditions including coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart valve problems, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. CVD is often related to atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque caused by fat, cholesterol and other substances in and on the walls of arteries.

Anyone, including children, can develop heart disease, but those who are at higher risk include individuals who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Individuals who are smokers, overweight or obese, eat an unhealthy diet, have low physical activity or excessively use alcohol are also at higher risk for CVD.

Tips for Getting Heart Healthy

You can protect yourself from heart disease. Keep up to date on your health. Watch your cholesterol levels and pay attention to blood pressure patterns. Be sure to ask your provider to explain to you what your readings mean if you are unsure. Questions are important and will only benefit you in the end, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Here a few other heart-healthy tips:

  • Get up and move. 30 minutes a day, five times a week (150 minutes per week) is the recommendation of exercise for healthy adults.
  • Eat better. Nutrients and portion sizes are crucial. Consume foods low in fat, sodium and sugar. Avoid processed foods and aim for fresh fruits and veggies when you can. Weight gain and obesity lead to many health issues, especially heart disease.
  • Stop smoking. Whether you quit “cold turkey” or slowly wean down your consumption, smoking cessation is one of the best decisions a person can make for their heart and lungs.
  • Gain control of your stress. Start to practice techniques to manage your stress, including exercise, meditation, positive self-talk and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

Cardiac Rehab at Prowers Medical Center

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps improve cardiovascular health in those who have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty or have had a past heart surgery. It aims help individuals prevent their conditions from worsening and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Prowers Medical Center has an exceptional program that gets you moving.

During a heart attack, the heart muscle is weakened and can be damaged. The goal of cardiac rehab is to strengthen the remaining healthy muscle so people can return to their normal activities and avoid another heart attack. Cardiac-trained nurses help re-teach your heart to accept activity again, making it often stronger than it was before. Staff also educates and guides heart-healthy decision-making and assists in stress management.

Cardiac rehab ranges between 8 and 36 weeks, depending on the heart event. Patients come three days a week for one hour each day to attend small group rehab sessions led by a cardiac-trained registered nurse. While working out, patients are monitored via telemetry so nurses can keep a constant eye on heart rate, heart rhythms, oxygen rates, blood pressure and blood glucose levels for diabetics.

Research shows that cardiac rehab programs can help prevent heart disease-related deaths, and these types of programs are recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

For more information on cardiac rehabilitation at Prowers Medical Center, call 719-336-6731 or visit prowersmedical.com.