Cardiac Rehabilitation
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a program designed to help individuals with heart or vascular diseases not only to treat their condition but also to return to their previous level of activity. It helps patients understand the appropriate exercise levels for their heart, and assists in restoring the heart, blood vessels, and entire body to their original activity levels. Additionally, it supports the development of exercise and lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence.
For hospitalized patients, rehabilitation begins during their hospital stay. Continuing cardiac rehabilitation after discharge gradually improves exercise levels in daily life, builds confidence for returning to social life, and prevents disease recurrence.
Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation
◎ Reduction of heart failure and angina symptoms
As physical strength improves, shortness of breath during exercise and angina symptoms become less likely to occur.
◎ Reduction of risk factors that lead to arteriosclerosis (lipid metabolism disorders, hypertension, diabetes, obesity)
• By balancing the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves) and promoting the increase of vasodilating substances, blood pressure is lowered and blood clots are less likely to form.
• Insulin, which lowers blood sugar, becomes more effective.
• It promotes lipid metabolism and can lower triglycerides.
◎ Reduction in recurrence of myocardial infarction, sudden death, and overall mortality
A decrease in myocardial infarction recurrence and heart failure hospitalizations has been recognized, leading to increased life expectancy.
◎ Increase in exercise capacity and muscle mass
It increases the body’s exercise capacity and muscle mass, making it easier to move.
◎ Improvement in quality of life (QOL)
Target Conditions
Acute myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, patients who have undergone heart or aortic surgery, peripheral arterial disease, etc.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Our Hospital
We primarily conduct cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and post-cardiac surgery patients. Our hospital is a certified facility for cardiac rehabilitation. We not only focus on maintaining physical function and stamina during hospitalization but also strive for lifestyle improvements, establishment of exercise habits, and prevention of recurrence after discharge. Our rehabilitation is led by physical therapists with cardiac rehabilitation instructor and certified physical therapist (circulatory) qualifications, and we also emphasize research and conference presentations.
After cardiovascular surgery, rehabilitation begins from day one, and patients are typically able to walk within 2-3 days.
Our hospital also offers outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, focusing on establishing exercise habits and preventing recurrence.
Professions Involved in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, registered dietitians, pharmacists, clinical laboratory technicians
About Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient rehabilitation is conducted as a 5-month program (from hospitalization to completion) aimed at returning to social life and improving exercise tolerance.
Flow of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Initial visit: At the start of rehabilitation, we measure muscle strength and balance, and inquire about daily life information.
↓
We conduct rehabilitation with a load tailored to the patient’s daily life level and symptoms. The basic frequency of rehabilitation is once a week.
↓
After 1 month: We conduct a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) to determine the optimal exercise load (for rehabilitation and daily life) suitable for the individual’s cardiopulmonary function.
↓
Based on the results of the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and symptoms, we prescribe exercise and conduct rehabilitation with a load appropriate for the heart’s condition.
↓
After 5 months: We conduct a second cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and determine the optimal exercise load at that point based on the test results.
Schedule
Monday to Friday ① 13:30 – 14:30 ② 15:00 – 16:00
※ Reservation required (doctor’s referral necessary for those who wish to participate)
☆ The number of sessions and times can be chosen according to each individual’s lifestyle. Participation is possible even once a month.
Location
Main Building 2nd Floor, No. 24: Cardiovascular Center (Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery)
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Room is located at the far end.
※ Please note that it is not at the Rehabilitation Department on the 5th floor, No. 50 of the Main Building.
About Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPX)
• Purpose: To comprehensively evaluate cardiopulmonary function, muscle condition related to exercise, and determine physical limits. It also identifies the amount of exercise that can be safely performed without straining the heart.
• Content: Exercise (cycling) while measuring electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and oxygen/carbon dioxide concentrations in breathing.
• Timing: Conducted twice, at the start of rehabilitation and after 5 months.
