Cardiac rehabilitation is a multi-dimensional program designed for those who suffer from heart disease. The program reduces their future risk through medical evaluation, prescribed exercise, cardiac risk factor modification, education and counseling.

• Decrease further risk of disease or heart attacks
• Instill confidence to resume work and normal activities of daily living
• Begin an exercise program that is safe and effective
• Improve dietary habits and lifestyle
• Speed up the psychological aspects of recovery

A heart attack or an intervention procedure such as bypass surgery or angioplasty is a consequence of heart disease. After the event, it is crucial to keep your risk factors to a minimum, to keep your arteries free of blockage, which is the main aim of the program. Patients are eligible to join the program one to four weeks after discharge, depending on their medical condition.

• The program is recommended for individuals who have experienced any one or more of the following conditions:
• Heart attack
• Bypass surgery
• Angioplasty (stent)
• Angiography showing blockage
• Angina
• Heart valve surgery
• Heart transplant surgery

Studies have shown that Cardiac Rehabilitation significantly reduces the risk of future death and complications of heart disease. The focus of the program is not just on exercise, but to change your lifestyle and risk factors to achieve a long and healthy life, free of heart disease.

Your personal physician and cardiologist are an integral part of your care and will be informed about your progress. They will also be involved in any decision affecting your medical care.

• Phase I: In the hospital

• This begins in the hospital following a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty. Low level physical activity begins in the ICU itself and is gradually increased during the stay in hospital. Education on cardiac risk factors is initiated and the patient is advised appropriate lifestyle modification.

• Phase II : Out-patient

• The patient attends the program 3 times a week at the Rehabilitation Center. During each session the patient exercises using state-of-the-art portable heart monitoring equipment, known as telemetry. This ensures optimal amount of exercise in the safest manner possible.

  An individualized program of lifestyle modification, including in-depth nutrition counseling is planned. All of the patients risk factors are monitored, and kept under strict control. Patients are also introduced to Yoga meditation techniques. The duration of the program is between one and three months, depending on the medical condition.

• Phase III:

• This begins on completion of Phase II, once the patient is more independent. The focus continues on education and lifestyle modification and risk reduction. Exercise is performed under supervision, and telemetry is used if indicated.