Kallie Schultz Board Member | Official Website
Kallie Schultz Board Member | Official Website
When living with heart disease, especially following a heart attack or surgery, concerns about future quality of life can be significant. Questions often arise regarding appropriate activity levels and dietary choices. The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team aims to address these uncertainties.
Ashley Haas, a Cardiac Rehab Nurse with Aspirus Health, explained that "cardiopulmonary rehab, or cardiac rehab, is a medically supervised program designed to help patients with heart and lung problems improve their physical conditioning and learn ways to better their lifestyle." These programs typically span 12-18 weeks and include exercise sessions aimed at increasing strength alongside education on heart health, nutrition counseling, and support.
Haas emphasized the importance of the safety aspect in these supervised programs: “One of the advantages of any cardiac rehab program is the safety aspect of the supervised program.” Participants' heart rhythm, blood pressure, and heart rate are closely monitored to ensure safety throughout the process.
Each cardiac rehab program is tailored individually for participants and begins at a comfortable pace. "We start slow and gradually increase as the program progresses," said Haas. She shared success stories where individuals began needing walkers but completed the program without them due to increased energy levels.
Cardiac rehab requires physician referral and is often recommended for those who have experienced or are at risk for heart-related conditions. This includes individuals who have had a heart attack within the last year, undergone various forms of heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement/repair, or transplant procedures. Those who have had coronary angioplasty or stent placement or have been diagnosed with conditions like heart failure or angina may also benefit from participating in these programs.
For further details on cardiac rehab services offered by Aspirus Health, interested parties can visit aspirus.org/cardiacrehab.
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