Cardiac rehabilitation

Published on: 20/11/2015

Cardiac rehabilitation is a multi-factorial therapeutic system that includes physical training, education, advice on lifestyle changes and modification of behaviour (with psychological support).

In Spain, ischemic heart disease is the first cause of death (33%), mostly affecting males between 40 and 65 years of age. In the workplace, the cardiovascular disease is the second highest cause of fatal work-related accidents in Spain. Cardiac rehabilitation improves the prognosis of coronary patients and is associated with a 20-30% reduction in mortality from ischemic heart disease.

An advanced programme for the fast recovery of coronary patients

Who can be included in this programme?

Patients with heart disease: after angioplasty +/- STENT due to angina, post AMI, post heart surgery (coronary-bypass, valvular, transplanted, other) or with controlled cardiac insufficiency

How is the risk assessed and controlled?

Thanks to the stratification of the risk, we carry out a cardiology assessment with effort/rest myocardial SPECT and osteomuscular, nutritional and psychological assessments intended to prevent any complications during the exercise phase.

A multidisciplinary group of specialists

  • Cardiologist
    Carries out the stratification of patient's risk and leads the team to respond to any enquiry and incidence

  • Internist
    Coordinates all the process and takes charge of health education, control of the risk factors and biopsychosocial assessment talks

  • Physiotherapist
    Specialist who coordinates customised physical exercises for each patient

  • Rehabilitation doctor
    Person responsible for designing the exercise schedule

  • Nursing
    Health control and education of the patients

Phases of cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is comprised of three phases:

PHASE I (Acute)

Corresponding to the admission to the hospital. It attempts to promote precocious mobilisation and mobility of the patient and to provide him/her and his/her family circle psychological support and information and education on the evolution of his/her illness.

PHASE II

It is initiated 4 weeks after hospital discharge. After carrying out a cardiology assessment the patient's risk stratification is carried out and their exercise capability is determined. Similarly, a psychological and social-work based assessment is carried out.

PHASE III

This non-monitored phase covers the entire life of the patient, who must continue to do the exercise programs of phase II, with the support of their primary care physician or specialist.