Cardiac Rehab: Gym Memberships for Cardiac Patients

Lifestyle changes have been proven to increase the long-term survival rate for cardiac patients that undergo surguries such as coronary bypass, angioplasty, and valve replacement. Cardiac rehabilitation aims to develop healthy habits in patients as part of their treatment. Recruiting patients to participate in rehabilitation programs poses the biggest challenge. Cardiologists often fail to prescribe rehab; many patients that are referred to a program fail to participate; and insurance companies limit coverage of such programs. It's been reported that only half of the heart pateints that are referred actually participate and only about 20 percent of them continue after three months. Cardiac rehabilitation aims to develop healthy habits, not turn them into endurance athletes, as one doctor put it. Moderate intensity workouts and healthy eating habits lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Participation has also shown to reduce deaths from heart disease by about 30 percent. At around $50 a month, cardiac rehabilitation is comparable to a gym membership, but participants have the added bonus of peace of mind. Patients receive individual attention by caregivers that closely monitor their hearts during aerobic exercise. If they notice anything abnormal or threatening, medical assistance is on hand. In addition to the assurance of emergency care, participants are also surrounded by their peers. Fellow cardiac pateints motivate each other and share healthy living tips.
Heart surgery is only the first step toward recovery. Healthy lifestyle changes that are reinforced through participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs can dramatically improve the length and quality of life after the visit to the hospital. Cardiologists should recognize the benefits and refer all their patients to similar rehab programs, even as a preventative measure. Insurance companies could also benefit by funding participation and potentially avoiding expensive medical procedures. Such lifestyle changes aren't easy, but the benefits are well woth the time and money.

InteliHealth Article:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/341/1329844.html

Angie Burrer
~Section 501