Cardiac Rehab Exercises – What Are The Best To Do After Heart Surgery?
By Adam Pick on June 18, 2008
Cardiac rehabilitation programs are a critical, and sometimes overlooked, part of heart surgery recovery. As my 2007 survey showed, only 51% of patients attended structured classes with cardiac rehab exercises during their recovery. In my opinion, that is a shame. I could go on-and-on about the physical and mental benefits of good cardiac rehabilitation programs.
However, I just received a quick question that reads, “What types of exercises do you do at cardiac rehab centers?”
Well… I guess I would have to answers, “It depends.” I say that because each facility may have a different approach to strengthening the human body following heart surgery.
However, I can share with you what I experienced at The Cardiac Care Center at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance, California. In fact, I just pulled out my cardiac rehab excercise book. Here is a list of the main exercises I participated in during my three month program after heart valve replacement surgery:
- Stationary bicycle
- Rowing machine
- Elliptical machine
- Treadmill
- Light weights – 5 to 15 pounds
- Arm cycling
The other thing I did to really help my bones and muscles feel better was STRETCH. I was always stretching during my recovery. In the morning I stretched. In the evening I stretched. In fact, it felt so good then, I’m gonna go stretch right now!!!
I hope that helps explain more about the different kinds of exercise at cardiac rehab.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Dr. Alfredo Trento is a heart valve expert having performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations during his career.
