Getting in Shape After a Heart Attack

Cardiac rehabilitation services help heart attack patients recover safely and effectively in an environment close to home.

Cardiac rehabilitation provides medical supervision for women and men with heart disease, from physical training to health education to disease-management counseling.

During the cardiac rehabilitation program, such as the one offered by the Rutland Heart Center, teams of specialists work together to develop a program for each patient’s needs and continually monitor vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar. Cardiac rehab is designed to prevent future heart issues through safe levels of exercise and heart-healthy lifestyle choices.

Patients in an intensive cardiac rehab program meet three times a week for up to 12 weeks. Cardiac rehab staff tend to offer instruction and encouragement, letting patients achieve their health goals without the worry of overdoing it.

“The benefits are quite extraordinary,” said Stanley Shapiro, MD, Medical Director of the Rutland Heart Center. “Patients support and encourage each other, improve their overall health, and learn ways they can continue their heart health journey once they’ve completed the program.”

The camaraderie and emotional support is the hidden pearl with cardiac rehab. This support allows patients to learn and share their experiences, and ultimately that gives them the self-confidence to believe they are going to recover.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehab for Heart Patients

• Teaches strategies to deal with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and inactivity
• Establishes a healthy diet, which promotes weight control and lowers cholesterol
• Develops a safe exercise routine that can be continued at home
• Provides resources to help smokers conquer their habit
• Demonstrates stress management and relaxation techniques
• Improves recovery time and overall cardiac fitness