What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) refers to Cardiac Rehab as an individualized and personalized treatment plan, including evaluation and instruction on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and other health related areas. The primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to enable the participant to achieve his/her optimal physical, psychological and social functioning through exercise training and lifestyle change. 

Cardiac rehab includes:

  • Prescribed exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness without exceeding safe limits.
  • Education about heart disease along with counseling on ways to stabilize or reverse heart disease by improving risk factors.
  • Reduction/Cessation of Smoking
  • Lowering Cholesterol
  • Controlling High Blood Pressure
  • Weight Loss/Control
  • Improve/Manage Diabetes
  • Increasing Physical Activity
  • Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
  • Improve Psychological Well Being
  • Opportunities to meet and share stories with other patients like yourself
  • Improved communication with your doctor about your progress following your event

Who is eligible for Cardiac Rehab?

Cardiac rehab may benefit patients recovering from heart conditions, procedures or surgeries that affect cardiovascular health.

  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
  • Stable angina pectoris
  • Heart valve repair or replacement
  • Coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary stenting
  • Heart or heart-lung transplant
  • Heart failure or ventricular assist devices
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac rehab may help you live longer and lessen your chances for another heart attack. Other benefits include:

  • Control heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Stop or reverse damage to your blood vessels in your heart.
  • Lessen the physical and emotional effects of heart disease.
  • Improve stamina and strength, getting you back to your usual activities including work, hobbies and regular exercise.
  • Improve confidence and well-being.
  • Studies suggest that people who complete cardiac rehab can increase their life expectancy by up to five years.
    • Individuals who attend 36 sessions have 47% lower risk of death and 31% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who attend only one session.

Insurance

  • Medicare typically covers 36 sessions of cardiac rehab per qualifying event. Check with your insurance provider to confirm details including copayment.
  • VA coverage generally covers cardiac rehab for 180 days.
  • Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid generally covers 30 sessions.
  • Coverage varies by plan, please verify benefits with your insurance provider.