The 4 Stages of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Longevity Exercise Physiology and Personal Training Edgecliff, Lindfield, Marrickville, Randwick, Drummoyne, Balmain and Bella Vista today explore the four stages of cardiac rehab and how Longevity Exercise Physiology can play a role in the rehab process.

Cardiac Rehab – Stage I:

Stage one, otherwise known as the Acute Phase, should start immediately following a cardiac event and occurs during your hospital stay. Your therapist will assess baseline measurements and get you up and moving within your limits as soon as possible. All measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ECG monitoring, mobility and functional capacity are taken. This phase can include getting you up and walking post event/procedure or assisting you with your chest recovery and thoracic mobility post open heart surgery, for example. Exercise testing can include a 6 minute walk test, Timed up and go test, exercise stress test on a treadmill or bike, etc.

Cardiac Rehab – Stage II:

Stage Two, otherwise known as the first of two Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs, starts immediately after discharge. This stage is usually between 3 and 6 weeks long. Your Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist will continually monitor your vitals closely during exercise. The goal of this phase is to educate you, progress your exercise capacity, build confidence and promote independent exercise.

Cardiac Rehab – Stage III:

Stage three is a sub-phase to Stage 2, the Outpatient Rehabiliation Program. This stage is usually another 3 to 4 weeks long and often takes place in a group setting. Phase three continues to progress your exercise and physical capacity, however you begin to monitor and report your own vitals such as heart rate and perceived rate of exertion (RPE) to your supervisor, in order to promote independence of your own exercise. Tests conducted in Stage 1 or throughout the rehabilitation are often re-assessed in this stage to compare pre and post results.

Sometimes, it is difficult to recover physically and mentally after a cardiac event, and therefore Longevity Exercise Physiology can play a vital role in ensuring you are safe and continuing to progress your physical capabilities long term after you have finished cardiac rehabilitation under the hospital’s guidance.

Cardiac Rehab – Stage IV:

Stage four, otherwise known as Independent Ongoing Maintenance, is usually achieved by 3 months post cardiac event. This is where the individual should be able to safely exercise at home or in a gym setting. Sometimes, it is difficult to recover physically and mentally after a cardiac event, and therefore Longevity Exercise Physiology can play a vital role in ensuring you are safe and continuing to progress your physical capabilities long term after you have finished cardiac rehabilitation under the hospital’s guidance. Longevity’s Accredited Exercise Physiologists are gym based Exercise Physiologists and are located across Sydney, making it more accessible and convenient for you.

Longevity Exercise Physiology are always happy to communicate with your other health professionals to fully understand your history, for ease of continuing service and to achieve the best possible outcomes for you.

 

Contact Longevity Personal Training and Exercise Physiology Edgecliff, Lindfield, Marrickville, Randwick, Drummoyne, Balmain, Bella Vista on 1300 964 002 to enquire today.

 

Written by Angela Vitucci