National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week: Enhance Heart Health & Recovery

• Written by Ritika Malik

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, celebrated from February 9 to 15, 2025, emphasises the significance of cardiac rehabilitation in assisting people recovering from heart-related conditions. With cardiac illnesses persisting as a primary cause of death nowadays, it's crucial to increase cardiac rehabilitation awareness and affirm that individuals can access this life-saving program.

Understanding Cardiac Rehabilitation

Think of your heart as a car engine. Lack of maintenance, improper fuel, and rash driving can cause it to break down quickly. Similarly, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress may cause your heart to collapse. Cardiac rehabilitation is an expert service station for your heart, where you can repair it, tune it, and strengthen its engine to ensure proper functioning.  

Cardiac rehabilitation is a clinically directed program emphasising:

• Nutritional guidance that promotes a heart-healthy diet.
• Emotional support addresses anxiety and stress, which are usually the primary causes of cardiovascular issues.
• Exercise training enhances fitness and strengthens the heart.
• Lifestyle education familiarises with risk management of cardiac problems such as cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Participating in a well-planned cardiovascular therapy program helps minimise the risk of cardiovascular arrest and prospective heart disease treatment.

Key Components of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

A cardiac rehabilitation program is intended to fulfil individual requirements. Here are some of its key components:

• A personalised exercise plan involves well-planned workouts that help enhance heart functionality and stamina. It includes cycling, swimming, walking, strength training, etc.
• A heart-healthy diet plan includes lean proteins, healthy fats, less sodium, low sugar, and whole grains. Nutritionists assist in designing customised meal plans.
• Stress is directly linked to cardiac illnesses. Stress and mental health management involves meditation, breathing exercises, and counselling. 
• Lifestyle modifications focus on breaking poor habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle for a healthy heart.
• Medication management includes heart professionals, who monitor cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol to ensure patients follow prescribed medications.

Why is Cardiac Rehabilitation Important?

Still thinking why you must consider a cardiac rehabilitation program? Well, here's why:

• The program helps in reducing hospital readmissions by more than 20%.
• It reduces the risk of developing issues like anxiety and depression, common cardiac occurrences.
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs also lower the risk of fatal heart attacks.
• It increases overall life quality and longevity.

Who Should Enroll in Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Individuals who have the following cardiac issues must participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Angioplasty or stent placement
• Heart surgery (bypass, valve repair, or replacement)

If you or someone you love falls into this category, don't overlook the significance of rehabilitation. With the proper clinical supervision, life can return to normal—or even better!

Success Stories: Life After Cardiac Rehabilitation

Sunil Fadia, a stockbroker, covered the marathon's finishing line in 2010 and 21 km in 2011. Amazed with what is so remarkable about this? Well, one major factor is that he ran this marathon just after the heart bypass surgery. While most people feel blessed that they survived after this kind of surgery, Sunil started preparing for his next marathon. All this is because of the cardiac rehabilitation program.

What is the moral of the story? A second chance at life is achievable with cardiac rehabilitation.

Overcoming Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation

Many individuals avoid participating in cardiac rehabilitation despite its benefits due to the following:

• No awareness: Not knowing that rehabilitation is essential for healing.
• Economic problems: Individuals anxious about the expense don't participate in the program (which is why a health insurance plan is necessary).
• Time limits: People who struggle to find time due to work or family responsibilities also overlook the relevance of cardiac rehabilitation programs.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists are essential in increasing cardiac rehabilitation awareness to overcome the barriers. They guarantee that:

• Patients receive timely referrals for rehabilitation.
• Personalised heart disease treatment plans are created.
• Patients stay motivated to follow through with cardiovascular therapy.

How Does Health Insurance Help in Taking Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Now, let's talk about something that everyone needs health insurance. Many people skip cardiac rehabilitation due to cost concerns. However, most health insurance providers, like Care Health Insurance, offer coverage for cardiac health rehabilitation in their heart health insurance plans. Checking with your insurer can ensure that money doesn't become a roadblock on your journey to recovery.

Investing time and effort in purchasing an ideal health plan also saves you from expensive hospital bills and a lifetime of health complications. 

Final Words!

National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is a reminder that cardiac diseases don't have to determine your future. Proper heart disease treatment, lifestyle modifications, and medical supervision make recovery possible.

And don't forget your health insurance is there to support you. Just as you insure your home, car, and valuables, ensure your heart health by taking full advantage of cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Your heart works 24/7 for you—it's time to return the favour.

>> Also Read: Why do You Need a Cardiac Health Check-up?

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. When purchasing health insurance, it is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with official documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.