The heart is one of our most essential organs. Day after day it pumps blood at an average of 72 beats per minute, providing our other organs with the oxygen and nutrients they need to keep us healthy. A healthy heart is an important component of a high quality of life. For people with heart problems, however, it requires a little more effort to maintain a healthy heart. A strong cardiac rehabilitation program makes all the difference. 

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of recovery following a heart attack, heart failure, or heart surgery. Cardiac therapy aids in recovery, improves quality of life, and helps to prevent future heart problems. Studies have shown, however, that many people who could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation are not able to participate because of the logistical or financial constraints of visiting a rehabilitation center multiple times per week. Fortunately, in today’s changing healthcare landscape, home-based medical care makes cardiac rehabilitation more accessible to more people. 

Yes, you can do cardiac therapy at home. Read on for more information.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to optimize cardiovascular health, particularly in those who have undergone heart surgery or angioplasty, or who have suffered from a heart attack, heart failure, or heart disease.  Cardiac rehab is a structured and standardized program, with treatment plans customized to meet the needs of the individual. Designed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, each treatment plan involves exercises to improve the health of the cardiovascular system, education for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, and stress-reduction counseling. A cardiac therapy treatment team may include any combination of cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, mental health specialists, and nutritionists.  

What is home-based cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehabilitation typically begins at the hospital and then continues at an outpatient cardiac rehab facility. But during the coronavirus pandemic, many cardiac rehabilitation programs shifted their method of care delivery, enabling heart patients to receive care and participate from home. Home-based cardiac rehabilitation provides the same structured, standardized, and evidence-based medical care and support as traditional cardiac rehab, but the patient is able to participate from home. The details of every home-based cardiac therapy program will differ depending on the technologies available to the rehab center, but here’s an example of how it can work: 

• Phone apps can be used to provide

  • Daily exercises 

  • Alerts for medication times

  • Meal plans

• Smartwatches or other connected devices can be used to

  • Monitor your vital signs 

  • Measure your activity levels

  • Record your daily steps

  • Send data to your cardiac rehab care team

• Weekly check-ins with your providers give you the opportunity to

  • Discuss your symptoms or side effects

  • Share your triumphs

  • Ask for help

  • Receive feedback about your progress

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation has the benefit of allowing you to incorporate the exercises and healthy lifestyle changes directly into your daily schedule without the need to make an extra stop at the rehab facility. It’s a game changer for many people. For those who leave the hospital but are not yet ready to return home to independent living, however, cardiac rehab in a 5-star skilled nursing facility may be a better option. 

Cardiac rehab in Lemon Grove | Bella Vista Health Center 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility

If you’re in need of cardiac rehabilitation, but you’re not quite ready to make the transition from hospital to home, Bella Vista Health Center is here for you. We offer cardiac rehabilitation in San Diego at our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility. Our highly skilled and compassionate team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nutritionists will work with your cardiologists and other healthcare providers to create a customized cardiac rehab program just for you. We also offer a range of amenities for short and long-term residents to help keep you comfortable and engaged while you recover. For more information or to schedule a tour, give us a call at (619) 644-1000.