What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? How is it applied?

Cardiovascular diseases, the number of which has increased considerably in recent years in Turkey and in the world, are diseases that reduce the quality of life and limit daily activities considerably. These diseases, which cause the death of thousands of people every year, should be treated without neglect. Cardiac rehabilitation is one of the treatment methods applied for people who experience cardiological disorders. are transactions. According to the definition of the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac rehabilitation is a regular and multidisciplinary program applied to optimize the physical, psychological and social functions of a heart patient, to slow down and, albeit unlikely, the atherosclerotic process underlying the disease, and thus to reduce the risk of death. works as a whole. Cardiac rehabilitation, which has become quite widespread in recent years, is developing day by day.

Cardiac rehabilitation application is a treatment program applied for cardiovascular system disorders. The general principles of cardiac rehabilitation practices consist of patient evaluation, nutritional recommendations, weight control and diabetes treatment, psychological evaluation and treatment, physical activity counseling, exercise training, and suggestions for quitting smoking and other harmful habits. Applications are made in two stages with programs specially prepared for the person:

Exercise: Exercises strengthen the muscles and heart, increase the condition.

Education and counseling: The client acquires healthy habits and trainings according to the condition of his illness and heart. .

In practice, tools such as treadmills and bicycles are used. In addition to these, aerobic exercises, respiratory and muscle exercises are actively used. During the exercises, the pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen level in the blood are controlled with special instruments. In this way, the client is prevented from experiencing a health problem during rehabilitation. In case of any problem, experts can intervene quickly.

In Which Situations Is Cardiac Rehabilitation Applied?

Kardiy Ac rehabilitation application can be applied in many cardiovascular system diseases. Some of these diseases can be listed as follows:

• Patients who had a heart attack,
• Patients who underwent cardiac intervention (cardiac surgery) such as balloon angioplasty and stent therapy
• Patients at high risk for heart disease (diabetes, hypertension, obesity patients)
• Patients with chest pain
• After bypass surgery
• Cardiomyopathy
• Patients with heart failure
• Presence of hypertension
• Patients with pacemakers
• Valve valve diseases, after heart valve replacement

In some diseases, cardiac rehabilitation is not recommended because it will be risky. Some of these are unstable angina pectoris, severe aortic stenosis, uncontrollable arrhythmias, active pericarditis/myocarditis, and uncontrolled diabetes. It is recommended that individuals with these diseases consult their physicians. It has been proven by scientific research and data that with cardiac rehabilitation application, mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases, the risk of a new blockage that may occur in the heart vessels and the risk of having a second heart attack are reduced by up to 30%. While patients who had heart surgery or heart attack were told to rest at home, the rate of participation in cardiac rehabilitation has increased with the increasing level of consciousness and the development of medicine.

What is Targeted with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?

Today, the heart The benefits of exercises given to patients suffering from discomfort or undergoing surgical operation are seen. These rehabilitation programs were initially viewed with caution, but confidence in the program has increased as benefits have been observed. Over time, different rehabilitation programs have been started to be prepared on specific targets. The patient's cardiovascular functions and capacity are maximized. clog the vein nuisances are prevented. Body weight and fat ratio decrease with exercise. It is aimed to keep blood sugar and pulse pressure at normal levels and to balance it. It accelerates the recovery process after surgery, surgical procedure or a heart attack, and provides a faster return to daily life. It is aimed that people gain positive habits and abandon negative and harmful habits. Thus, the psychological problems and psychosocial conditions of the patients due to the disease are also corrected. When all these goals are successfully achieved, the person feels much healthier and fitter.

How to Apply the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?

Application at the beginning of the cardiac rehabilitation practice accompanied by specialist doctors and physiotherapists in cardiac rehabilitation centers. The patient to be treated is subject to a doctor's control. According to the results of the necessary blood tests, effort test, exercise endurance test and EKG test, it is decided whether the person is suitable for rehabilitation. The program consists of 3 phases. The first stage cardiac disease passes to the next period in the hospital. At this stage, it is aimed to get the patient out of bed and to make them able to perform the movements they are accustomed to in daily life. The second phase is the exercise training phase. This phase consists of aerobic exercises, resistance muscle strengthening, flexibility, balance, coordination and breathing exercises. In the third stage, the patient is expected to protect the change he has achieved with exercises and apply it to his life. The patient-specific exercise program is prepared with the help of experts. With the help of equipment such as aerobic exercises, treadmill, elliptical bike, and posture, relaxation and light conditioning exercises, the rehabilitation process is spent as efficiently as possible. The patients continue the program for 1-2 months, accompanied by specialist doctors, by continuously measuring their pulse and oxygen content. Afterwards, the changes and developments observed in the person are examined. According to the results, cardiac rehabilitation can be terminated or continued. At the stage of the rehabilitation decision, the patient must be accompanied by a specialist team consisting of health professionals such as cardiology specialist, dietitian, physiotherapist, rehabilitation specialist, psychologist and nurse. patient's treatment The suitability of the person and the state of health are determined by these experts. In order that rehabilitation does not cause harm to the contrary, it should be well examined whether the patient is indicated for treatment. Cardiac rehabilitation should be applied in a rehabilitation center with appropriate equipment together with a PTR specialist.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Multiple benefits of cardiac rehabilitation that vary according to the person and his condition, level and health status of the body. is found. The physical performance and general condition of the patients increase. It can do the same work with less effort and lower heart rate. The patient's blood sugar and high blood pressure decrease and stabilize. The contraction strength of the heart and the endurance of the body increase. Body fat is reduced. Balanced eating habits are given to the patient. Risks such as vascular occlusion and recurrence of the disease are prevented. Thus, the patient returns to his old life faster and as a healthier person. It contributes to the body's natural healing system.

The patient's psychological problems such as fear, anxiety, anxiety and depression can also be cured. It especially contributes to the mood changes seen after surgical procedures. Patients' self-confidence increases. For more detailed information about cardiac rehabilitation programs, you can consult your doctor. Do not forget to have regular health checks in order to prevent heart diseases and get appropriate treatment in the early period. We wish you healthy days.

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