Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help people recover safely after a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve surgery, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions. It combines exercise therapy, lifestyle education, risk-factor control, nutrition counselling and emotional support to restore heart strength and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
At SENSE Health, Bangalore, our cardiac rehabilitation program is designed specifically for adults and seniors who need safe, evidence-based recovery after a heart event.
What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, multi-disciplinary program that helps improve cardiovascular health after heart disease or heart surgery. It is not just exercise; it is a comprehensive approach that strengthens the heart, improves stamina, and supports long-term heart health.
A complete cardiac rehab program at SENSE Health includes:
Medical and functional assessment
Supervised exercise training
Heart-healthy lifestyle education
Nutrition and diet counselling
Risk-factor management (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
Stress-management and emotional support
Guidance for safe return to routine activities
Who Needs Cardiac Rehabilitation?
You may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation if you have recently experienced:
Heart attack
Angioplasty or coronary stent placement
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement
Stable angina
Heart failure
Congenital heart disease in adults
Pacemaker or ICD implantation
Cardiac rehab is recommended for anyone recovering from a cardiac condition and is especially important for older adults or those living with multiple health issues.
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Phase 1: Inpatient Rehabilitation
Begins in the hospital soon after a cardiac event or surgery. Focus is on:
Senior patients benefit greatly from early mobilisation to prevent deconditioning and complications.
Phase 2: Outpatient Supervised Rehab
This is the core phase of cardiac rehabilitation and lasts 6–12 weeks.It includes:
Individually tailored exercise sessions
Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms
Nutrition counselling
Risk-factor management
Lifestyle modification support
Stress-management techniques
This phase builds cardiovascular strength and confidence.
Phase 3: Long-Term Maintenance
This focuses on sustaining heart-healthy habits through:
At SENSE Health, we guide patients on how to maintain long-term wellness.
Exercise Training in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Exercise is a key component; however, the program is always customised based on age, condition and medical clearance.
Treadmill or over-ground walking
Cycling
Step training
Low-intensity strength training
Flexibility and mobility exercises
Breathing exercises
Older adults or those with limitations receive modified, low-impact training to ensure safety.
Lifestyle and Risk-Factor Management
A major part of cardiac rehabilitation focuses on preventing another heart event by managing modifiable risks.
Controlling blood pressure
Improving cholesterol levels
Managing diabetes
Weight management
Stopping smoking
Building a heart-healthy diet
Improving sleep quality
Medication adherence
Educational sessions help patients and families understand exactly how to support recovery at home.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Many people experience anxiety, fear, depression or stress after a heart attack or surgery.Cardiac rehabilitation includes:
Stress management techniques
Breathing and relaxation practices
Counselling support
Motivation and goal-setting
Emotional wellbeing is essential for long-term cardiac health.
Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Research shows that completing a cardiac rehab program can:
Improve heart function and stamina
Reduce chest pain and breathlessness
Improve quality of life
Lower the risk of future heart attacks
Reduce hospital readmissions
Improve emotional wellbeing
Increase confidence to return to daily activities
For seniors, supervised rehab significantly improves balance, endurance, independence and safety.
Why Many Patients Skip Cardiac Rehabilitation
Despite the strong evidence, many patients do not enrol in cardiac rehab.Common barriers include:
Lack of awareness
Difficulty travelling to a centre
Mobility limitations in seniors
Fear of exercising with a heart condition
Limited family support
At SENSE Health, we address these barriers by providing:
Cardiac Rehabilitation at SENSE Health, Bangalore
Comprehensive cardiac assessment
ECG and vitals monitoring during exercise
Supervised aerobic and strength training
Breathing and relaxation therapy
Diet and nutrition counselling
Risk-factor management
Balance and gait training for seniors
Home-based and hybrid options
Regular progress evaluations
We focus on safe, effective, compassionate care designed for older adults and individuals with complex health needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Heart Recovery
If you or your loved one has recently experienced a heart condition, cardiac rehabilitation can transform recovery, restore confidence and significantly reduce the risk of future heart problems.
Contact SENSE Health to begin your personalised cardiac rehabilitation program today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cardiac Rehabilitation
1. What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that includes exercise training, lifestyle education, nutritional counselling and emotional support to help people recover after a heart attack, surgery or other heart condition.
2. Who needs cardiac rehabilitation?
Anyone recovering from heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, heart failure, chest pain (angina), cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease or pacemaker/ICD implantation can benefit from cardiac rehab.
3. When can I start cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehab usually begins soon after discharge from the hospital, once your cardiologist gives clearance. Some activities start even before discharge as part of inpatient rehabilitation.
4. How long does a cardiac rehabilitation program last?
Most programs run for 6–12 weeks with two to three supervised sessions each week. The duration may vary based on your recovery speed, age, and medical condition.
5. Is cardiac rehabilitation safe for seniors?
Yes. Cardiac rehab is safe and highly beneficial for seniors. Programs are adapted for age, mobility level, joint conditions and other health concerns.
6. What exercises are included in cardiac rehab?
Exercises may include treadmill walking, cycling, step training, low-intensity strength training, flexibility exercises and breathing exercises — all customised and monitored based on your condition.
7. Does cardiac rehab help prevent future heart problems?
Yes. Studies show that completing a cardiac rehab program reduces the risk of future heart attacks, hospital admissions and long-term cardiac complications.
8. What lifestyle changes are taught during cardiac rehabilitation?
You learn how to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, weight, stress and sleep. You also receive guidance on heart-healthy eating and quitting smoking.
9. Can I do cardiac rehab at home?
Yes. SENSE Health offers hybrid and home-based cardiac rehabilitation options for people who have mobility or transportation challenges.
10. Will I be monitored during exercise?
Yes. Your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and symptoms are monitored closely during supervised sessions to ensure safety.
11. What if I feel anxious or depressed after a heart event?
Emotional distress is common after heart conditions. Cardiac rehab includes counselling, stress-management techniques and support to improve your mental wellbeing.
12. Should I continue exercising after the program is over?
Yes. Long-term maintenance exercise is important for heart health. Your therapist will create a personalised plan you can follow safely at home.
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