What Are The Benefits Of Cardiac Rehabilitation After A Heart Attack?

Dr. Lee answers the question: 'Benefits of Rehab After A Heart Attack?'

By
Joon Sup Lee, M.D., Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Clinical Director, UPMC Cardiovascular Institute
December 23, 2008, 4:19 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: What Are The Benefits Of Cardiac Rehabilitation After A Heart Attack?

Answer: Cardiac rehabilitation really has very broad benefits for a patient who'd suffered a heart attack. First of all, it really aids in speedy and safe recovery. Being able to exercise in a carefully monitored setting allows the patient to recover their function as quickly as possible with assurance that someone is watching over them as they increase their activity.

In addition, the social setting of cardiac rehab is found to be very beneficial for many patients from a psychological stand point.

In addition for most of our patients, cardiac rehab is the central organizing presence in terms of the risk factor modification such as change in diet, other lifestyle changes such as exercise pattern and smoking cessation.

Next: How Long Is It Before I Can Return To Work After A Heart Attack?

Previous: Is A Doctor There When I Do Cardiac Rehabilitation?