Cardiac Rehabilitation

How Well It Works

Clinical research has confirmed many benefits of cardiac rehab, including:³

• A reduced risk of major heart problems and death after a heart attack for those who participate in a cardiac rehab program that includes exercise.
• Decreased severity of angina and decreased need for medicines to control angina.
• Reduced need for hospitalization because of heart problems. Costs for doctor visits and hospitalizations are reduced for those who participate in cardiac rehab. Visits to the emergency room are also reduced.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Reduced shortness of breath and fatigue in people with heart failure.
• Ability to exercise longer.
• Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Decreased emotional stress, depression, and anxiety.

Cardiac rehab can increase the quality of your life by improving your health overall; helping you lose weight, if necessary; reducing depression, stress, and anxiety; and helping to increase your self-esteem.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: October 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Cheryl Allind, RN, BS - Cardiac Rehabilitation Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology
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