die in the five years following a heart attack or bypass surgery by about 35%, the CDC says.
Another recent study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting, estimated that heart attack survivors can gain more than seven healthy years of life if they stick to the tenets promoted by cardiac rehab.
Unfortunately, researchers have found that women are less likely than men to start or complete cardiac rehab, possibly because they aren’t being offered the option, the CDC suggests.
Older adults also are less likely to undertake cardiac rehabilitation, according to the CDC. They might feel that they’re too old to be physically active, especially if they suffer problems like arthritis that make exercise more difficult.
If you’ve had recent heart problems, the CDC recommends that you talk to your doctor about cardiac rehabilitation. Many insurance plans cover it, including Medicaid and Medicare.
“I’m an enormous fan of cardiac rehab,” Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, past president of the American Heart Association shares.
After a heart attack, he explains, people can be fearful about exercise, depressed, or feel like it’s “too late” to do anything about their cardiovascular health.
“Cardiac rehab gets patients into a monitored setting where they can learn to trust their bodies again,” Lloyd-Jones notes.
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Getting started with cardiac rehabilitation
Remember that you are not alone. Cardiac rehabilitation is a team effort. If you choose to participate, you will have a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, family and friends to help you take charge of the choices, lifestyle and habits that affect your heart.
According to the American Heart Association, here is how you can get going and make the most of cardiac rehab:
- Ask your doctor if you are eligible.
- If you are, register for a cardiac rehab program.
- In consultation with your medical team, set goals for your heart health.
- Work together to create a cardiac rehab plan.
- Take an active role in your care to achieve your goals.
- Keep taking your medicines correctly.
- Call 911 if you experience new or worsening symptoms.