After experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac event, you’ll likely be wondering how you can best recover and return to your daily activities. Fortunately, UAB Medical West offers a cardiac rehab program at our outpatient facility in Bessemer, AL. This type of programming can improve outcomes as those who completed the program lowered their risk of having another heart attack by over 30%. Below, we share information about this program and what you can expect as a patient.
What to Expect During Our Cardiac Rehab Program
From the moment you sign up for our cardiac rehab program, our focus will be on getting you back to living life to the fullest. There are three phases to this program, which center around teaching you how to implement heart-healthy lifestyle changes and stress management techniques. As always, consult with your doctor before implementing any changes to your lifestyle for health and safety reasons.
Education
Throughout our cardiac rehab program, we focus on patient education. We want to empower patients as they develop a plan that promotes independence and healthier living. Along with advice on how to implement heart-healthy lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise, we educate patients on their specific needs.
For example, if you have been prescribed medication to manage your heart condition, we help you understand how it works, potential side effects, and appropriate dosing. This way, you can manage your medication schedule on your own and maximize the benefits that it provides for your specific condition.
We also help you learn the signs that you need immediate medical attention in the case of another cardiac event to help keep you safe. Heart attack symptoms can present differently depending on one’s age, gender, or other health conditions. The faster you are able to get help, the more likely you will be to make a full recovery.
Exercise
Understanding the role that exercise plays in keeping the heart healthy, we include supervised physical activity sessions as part of our cardiac rehab program. This also allows you to find emotional support from other participants who have had the same condition.
In addition to exercising alongside other program participants, we provide you with information on how to exercise safely at home. This information includes a customized exercise plan based on your specific needs, including your medical history and physical ability.
Encouragement
Along with physical activity and lifestyle changes, emotional support and encouragement are key components of our cardiac rehab program. This support comes from both other program participants and trained medical professionals who can answer any questions you may have about your condition.
To help you find support beyond our program, we even encourage you to include your partner, family member, or close friend in group education sessions. That way, they can learn how to better support you after a cardiac event and implement some of the heart-healthy lifestyle practices we teach into their own lives
Who is a Candidate for Our Cardiac Rehab Program?
Our cardiac rehab program is outpatient, and therefore, it is completely voluntary. That said, you may be unsure whether you are a suitable candidate. If you have recently had a heart attack or undergone surgery for a type of heart disease, like coronary artery disease, you may be a candidate for our cardiac rehab program.
However, like any new health program, consult with your primary care physician before registering. They can help you determine your candidacy based on your specific condition and personal medical history. If you have any questions regarding our cardiac rehab program, please feel free to contact us.
The Benefits of Our Cardiac Rehab Programming
No matter what type of heart condition you have, our cardiac rehab program offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Decreased risk of another cardiac event
- Greater exercise tolerance
- Improvement in symptoms
- Stress reduction
- Better lipid levels
- Positive lifestyle changes
- Longer lifespan
- Knowledge of heart-healthy living
As specific benefits may vary depending on your condition, it is best to consult with your primary care physician before beginning a cardiac rehabilitation program. They can help you to determine if this type of programming would be beneficial to you.
Explore Your Cardiac Rehab Options at UAB Medical West
Regardless of what your cardiac rehabilitation needs are, the UAB Medical West team is here to help you meet them. Our specialists can create a customized plan to help you heal from nearly any cardiac event in a supportive environment. To learn more about our cardiac rehab program and the services it offers, contact us today.
Find Support After a Cardiac Event at UAB Medical West
After experiencing a cardiac event, you want to recover as quickly as possible. The cardiac rehab program at UAB Medical West can help you do just that. Our clinicians can create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and is approved by our cardiologists. For more information about our cardiac rehab program, contact us.