Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally. Various cardiovascular conditions including  heart attack, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and myocardial infarctions leads to CVD. Furthermore, patients who have undergone cardiovascular interventions like coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting also require specialized care. 

Cardiac rehabilitation program offered by Sukino Healthcare is highly comprehensive and personalized, designed to address the physical and psychological stresses associated with CVD. It aim to reduce the risk of mortality associated with CVD, improve cardiovascular function, enhance overall life quality for the patients, and also extend life expectancy. Cardiac rehabilitation instills self-confidence, and supports optimal physical and psychosocial health of a patient by enhancing their cardiac function and capacity, slowing or reversing atherosclerosis progression, and gradually conditioning them. 

Cardiac rehab is important for people who’ve had some kind of heart or blood vessel issue, such as heart attack, heart failure, use of a ventricular assist device, stable angina, heart or heart-lung transplant, heart valve repair or replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), coronary artery angioplasty with or without a stent, and peripheral artery disease. Cardiac rehab not only involves patients but also their partners, and other family members. 

This comprehensive approach also integrate exercise training, emotional support, and educational guidance towards fostering a heart-healthy lifestyle. This holistic program also emphasizes the cultivation of healthy habits, such as embracing a nutritious diet, effectively managing weight, and successfully quitting smoking. A highly skilled and trained multidisciplinary team with a cardiologist/physician as the coordinator, a clinical nurse specialist, physiotherapist, clinical nutritionist/dietitian, occupational therapist, pharmacist, psychologist, smoking cessation counselor/nurse, social worker, vocational counselor, and clerical administration staff deliver exceptional results. Moreover, the team must foster effective collaboration and communication to ensure a comprehensive and long-term approach to managing CVD.

Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation comprises three distinct phases supporting patients in their recovery and promoting long-term lifestyle changes.

Phase I: Clinical Phase

The clinical phase commences shortly after a cardiovascular event or intervention during the patient’s hospital stay. It focuses on evaluating the patient’s physical capabilities and motivation for rehabilitation. Therapists and nurses guide patients through gentle exercises in the bed or at the bedside, amplifying range of motion and preventing deconditioning. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are addressed, and patients receive stress management education. Rest is encouraged until comorbid conditions or post-operative complications are resolved. The rehabilitation team also assesses assistive device needs, provides patient and family education, and develops a discharge plan.

Phase II: Outpatient Cardiac Rehab

Once the patients are stable and approved by cardiology, they transition them to the outpatient phase. Phase II typically lasts for around three to six weeks (sometimes up to twelve weeks). It involves initial assessments that identify physical limitations, participation restrictions due to comorbidities, and activity limitations. A patient-centered therapy plan is devised, incorporating information/advice, a tailored training program, and relaxation techniques. The treatment phase aims to promote independence and facilitate lifestyle changes, preparing patients for a successful return home.

Phase III: Post-Cardiac Rehab Maintenance

Phase III focuses on increasing independence and self-monitoring. It emphasizes on flexibility, strength building, and aerobic conditioning. The goal is to support long-term maintenance of lifestyle changes, monitor risk factors, and provide secondary prevention. Options in this phase include educational sessions, support groups, telephone follow-up, clinic reviews, outreach programs, exercise programs led by qualified phase IV gym instructors, collaboration with general practitioners and primary healthcare teams, and involvement of partners, spouses, and family members. Research demonstrates positive outcomes with internet-based remote home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation offers numerous potential benefits for individuals who have experienced a heart attack, undergone heart surgery, or encountered other heart-related issues. Here are some of the ways cardiac rehab can positively impact your well-being:

1. Recovery and Strength: It aids in your recovery process, helping you regain strength and endurance following a heart event or surgery.
2. Enhanced Daily Functioning: By getting your body moving and improving fitness levels, cardiac rehab makes your everyday activities easier to perform.
3. Improved Quality of Life: It contributes to a better daily quality of life, enabling you to engage in activities and enjoy life more fully.
4. Reduced Risk of Future Heart Events: Participating in cardiac rehab lowers the risk of experiencing another heart attack or severe heart-related complications in the future.
5. Decreased Mortality Risk: It reduces the likelihood of becoming seriously ill or dying from heart disease in the years to come.
6. Mental Health Support: Cardiac rehab addresses mental health concerns, helping you manage feelings of depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges that may arise after a heart event.
7. Stress Management: It provides strategies to effectively manage stress, an essential component of heart health.
8. Weight Management: Cardiac rehab supports you in managing your weight, promoting overall cardiovascular health.
9. Healthy Lifestyle Habits: It educates you on adopting healthier lifestyle habits, including heart-healthy eating, tobacco cessation, reducing sedentary behavior, and increasing physical activity.
10. Symptom Relief: Cardiac rehab helps alleviate chest pain and shortness of breath, enhancing your comfort and well-being.

By addressing both physical and mental aspects, cardiac rehabilitation tend to improve your physical health, manage risk factors, and provide comprehensive support throughout your recovery journey. It emphasizes the importance of mental health and ensures that you are not alone in achieving your goals.

Why Choose Sukino?

Sukino is a premier choice for cardiac rehabilitation due to several compelling reasons:

1. Expertise and Specialization: Sukino team of highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals specializes in cardiac rehabilitation, ensuring that you receive focused and specialized care tailored to your unique needs. 
2. Comprehensive Approach: Sukino adopts a comprehensive approach to cardiac rehabilitation, addressing not only physical aspects but also mental and emotional well-being. Further providing a holistic support system to help you recover and improve your quality of life.
3. Personalized Care Plans: Our personalized care plans are based on thorough assessments and evaluations, including specific medical history, current condition, and individual goals to meet your specific needs and preferences.
4. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Sukino is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies to ensure optimal care and monitoring during your rehabilitation journey, further providing a safe and comfortable environment for your recovery.
5. Multidisciplinary Team: Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, physiotherapists, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists adopts collaborative approach to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care to maximize your rehabilitation outcomes.
6. Continuous Support and Monitoring: We aim to offer ongoing support and monitoring throughout your cardiac rehabilitation program. Further ensuring regular follow-ups, progress assessments, and adjustments to your care plan as needed, helping you stay on track and achieve the best possible outcomes.
7. Patient-Centered Care: We place patients at the center of our care approach. Thus prioritizing your comfort, preferences, and goals, ensuring that your rehabilitation journey is personalized and tailored to your individual needs.

Choosing Sukino for cardiac rehabilitation means gaining access to expert care, personalized attention, comprehensive support, and advanced facilities, all aimed at optimizing your recovery, enhancing your well-being, and improving your long-term heart health.