Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Why It Saves Lives
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a structured, supervised programme of exercise, education, and psychological support for patients after: myocardial infarction (heart attack), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI/angioplasty), heart failure, and heart transplantation. Meta-analyses show CR reduces cardiovascular mortality by 26% and total mortality by 20%. Despite this evidence, CR is vastly underutilised in India.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Physiotherapists lead the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation — the most evidence-based element. Exercise training in cardiac patients: improves cardiovascular fitness, reduces resting heart rate and blood pressure, improves exercise capacity (allowing more activity with less cardiac work), reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and reduces depression (very common after cardiac events).
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Phase 1: Inpatient (Hospital Days 1–5)
Early mobilisation, breathing exercises, posture, and ward ambulation. Education about risk factors. Planning for discharge and outpatient rehabilitation.
Phase 2: Early Outpatient (Weeks 2–8 post-event)
Gradually progressive aerobic exercise under supervision — starting from walking and progressing based on heart rate, blood pressure, and symptom response. RPE (rate of perceived exertion) monitoring.
Phase 3: Maintenance (Months 3–12+)
Independent exercise programme established. Target: 150 minutes moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Resistance training added from month 2–3.
Safety
All cardiac rehabilitation patients are assessed for exercise readiness and contraindications. We work within physician-prescribed heart rate limits and monitor blood pressure response to exercise.
Cardiac Rehab in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we provide safe cardiac rehabilitation for post-cardiac patients. Contact us for a cardiac rehab assessment.