If you have atrial fibrillation and are at risk for stroke, you may have to take blood thinners for the rest of your life. Alternatively, the WATCHMAN™ implant may reduce the need for blood thinners and reduce your risk of stroke. Here’s how.
The experience of a cardiac event is not one that we think of and say “Boy! I hope I get to do that!” No. As much as possible, most people would love to avoid any unpleasant symptoms or conditions affecting their hearts. And yet, heart disease and other conditions continue to happen. When they do, one of the recommendations that may be made, as a part of an ongoing wellness protocol, is cardiac rehab.
Rehab? For the heart? Yes. Rehab isn’t just a matter of restoring physical mobility after an accident, nor is it something that revolves only around over-drinking or drug-use. Cardiac rehab is, in fact, a highly-beneficial aspect of managing conditions like heart disease. Think of it as having your wellness coach, a cheerleader in your corner as you implement habits that prioritize healthy living.
As the name suggests, cardiac rehab is a supervised program that educates patients about the proper use of heart medications (though your doctor is your best ally when it comes to that), how to eat healthily, and how to exercise. In fact, many programs supervise that exercise, which makes them advantageous for patients who feel unsettled by the prospect of physical activity after a cardiac event.
The whole idea behind cardiac rehab is that the program meets patients’ needs, fits their lifestyle, and enables them to strengthen their heart so that they may improve general wellness. When this is accomplished, the risk of future events or problems is decreased, and that is good news.
Aspects of cardiac rehab include:
Through a supervised heart-health program, patients gain benefits such as:
The benefits of cardiac rehab are extensive simply because this type of program can minimize future risks. Some would call it potentially life-saving. Data indicates a 30% reduction in fatal heart events in patients who have completed cardiac rehab, as well as reduced risk of a second cardiac event at all.
You have help in managing heart health after a cardiac event. If you need diagnostic testing or treatment, contact us at 516-437-5600.
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