Unlocking The Benefits Of Physiotherapy Cardiac Exercises | Boost Heart Health For A Vibrant Life

 

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall well-being, and cardiovascular exercises play a vital role in achieving this goal. Physiotherapy cardiac exercises, specifically designed to address heart-related conditions, offer numerous benefits that go beyond just strengthening the heart. In this blog, we will explore the various advantages of incorporating physiotherapy cardiac exercises into your routine and how they can improve your overall quality of life.

Enhancing Cardiovascular Health
Physiotherapy cardiac exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance, which is essential for optimal heart health. Regular physical activity, under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, can improve heart and lung function, increase blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Engaging in exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling can improve the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, thus reducing the strain on the heart and decreasing the risk of heart-related complications.

Managing Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Physiotherapy cardiac exercises can effectively manage blood pressure levels by strengthening the heart and improving blood flow. Aerobic exercises and resistance training have been shown to lower blood pressure and promote a healthier cardiovascular system. By regularly engaging in physiotherapy cardiac exercises, individuals can significantly reduce their dependence on medication and enjoy the benefits of natural blood pressure regulation.

Boosting Energy Levels
One of the often-overlooked benefits of physiotherapy cardiac exercises is the boost in energy levels they provide. When you have a healthy heart, oxygen-rich blood flows efficiently throughout your body, providing energy to your muscles and vital organs. Regular physical activity enhances your body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients, leading to increased stamina, improved endurance, and a general sense of vitality. Physiotherapy cardiac exercises can help combat fatigue and make daily activities feel less strenuous.

Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health. Physiotherapy cardiac exercises are an excellent tool for weight management and can aid in weight loss efforts. These exercises help burn calories, increase metabolism, and build lean muscle mass, which in turn helps individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. By shedding excess pounds and reducing body fat, the strain on the heart is alleviated, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The benefits of physiotherapy cardiac exercises extend beyond physical health and promote mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, known as the "feel-good" hormones, which elevate mood and reduce stress and anxiety levels. Physical activity stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. By incorporating physiotherapy cardiac exercises into your routine, you can experience a natural and effective way to combat stress and improve mental well-being.

Enhancing Quality of Life
Physiotherapy cardiac exercises contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of life. By improving cardiovascular health, managing blood pressure, boosting energy levels, and reducing stress, individuals can enjoy a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. Engaging in physical activity promotes independence, enhances mobility, and increases longevity. Regular exercise can also improve sleep patterns, enhance cognitive function, and strengthen the immune system, leading to a healthier, more resilient body.

Physiotherapy cardiac exercises offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond just strengthening the heart. By incorporating these exercises into your routine under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, you can enhance cardiovascular health, manage blood pressure, boost energy levels, manage weight, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your overall quality of life.

World Heart Day | Maintaining Your Heart Health by Physiotherapy

29th September 2022 is celebrated as World Heart day. This day is observed to cater and manage the needs of the increasing number of patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation is a treatment process that is found to be effective for patients suffering from a heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart failure, angina, or heart surgery. Cardiac Rehab is a complex intervention that includes Physical activity, Exercise training, and Cardiovascular risk management to improve the well-being and functional capacity of patients with heart disease. The treatment involves various healthcare professionals including healthcare providers, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists. A physiotherapist is one healthcare professional who works with the patient during cardiac rehab and designs an exercise program for the patient. These exercise programs are personalized according to the patient's needs. In this blog, we will guide you through what are the potential benefits and goals at each stage that you can aim for, as you move through the recovery phase of your cardiac condition.

CARDIAC REHABILITATION USUALLY PROGRESSES THROUGH THESE 4 PHASES:

Phase I starts when the patient is still in the hospital. Rehabilitation exercises and regimens are recommended and supervised by the experts at the hospital.

Phase II is when the patient is discharged from the hospital, cardiac rehabilitation usually involves outpatient care.

Phase III starts when the patients are prescribed to continue the cardiac rehab exercises and regimens on their own at home.

Phase IV starts when the patient continues to follow the guidance on exercise and lifestyle. The patient proceeds independently with the current exercise training. He/she should receive regular check-ups to make sure that he/she is effectively managing the heart condition and thus avoiding any flare-ups.

Phase I or clinical cardiac rehab:

Patients with acute heart conditions, such as those recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, may be referred to a cardiac rehab team while still in the hospital. Phase I cardiac rehab starts in the hospital, and the physiotherapist helps to recover basic functional mobility. The patient is taught to learn techniques to monitor the activity. This phase likely lasts between 2 and 5 days, depending on the patient's physical condition. The physiotherapist designs and carefully monitors the progress and limits the exercise program to get the patient back on his/her feet again. This initially involves just sitting up in bed, standing, and testing the range of motion, before moving to short walks around the hospital wing.

 

Phase II or outpatient cardiac rehab:

Once the patient leaves the hospital, he/she can engage in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation in an outpatient physiotherapy clinic.  Though the patient must still be having difficulty with functional mobility.  The physiotherapist will closely work with the patient to ensure a smooth transition into outpatient rehab. The patient is monitored through lifestyle changes and as he/she begins to progress with the exercise regime.

 

Phase III Post-cardiac rehab:

Phase III cardiac rehabilitation is the next step in the physiotherapy rehab program. Phase III cardiac rehab involves more intensive exercises and activities while simultaneously monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, which should remain stable while workloads are increased to ensure a safe transition into phase III cardiac rehabilitation.

 

Physiotherapy Evaluation

The physiotherapist conducts the initial evaluation of phase 3 cardiac rehab, by asking the patient to perform various tests and measures to assess the functional ability.  During the initial evaluation in phase 3 cardiac rehab, the physiotherapist may also choose to perform a specific outcome measure to provide an objective measure of functional mobility. Outcomes measures are also used during phase 3 cardiac rehab including the timed up-and-go test and the 6-minute walk test.

During phase III of cardiac rehab, the physiotherapist aims to help the patient become more independent and informed. The patient learns how to self-monitor his heart rate and exertion levels during exercise.

Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation mostly involves exercises. The physiotherapist prescribes specific exercises to improve the overall tolerance and endurance level for the activity. The exercises include working on a stationary bike, treadmill walking, flexibility, and upper and lower body strength exercises. Before starting phase III, the physiotherapist should ensure that the patient is fully capable of monitoring his/her exercise and activity intensity. These techniques may include checking the heart rate, using the Borg scale, or using a heart rate monitor to assess exercise intensity while working out. The therapist also teaches the patient simple talk test to monitor their activity level.

As the patient progresses through phase 3 cardiac rehab, the physiotherapist will prescribe more independent exercises and activities. Usually, the patient spends 3 to 4 weeks participating in phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation This is done to prepare the patient for phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation, independent exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The physiotherapist will ensure that the progress is safe through the program with the ultimate goal to move on to independent exercises in phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation.

 

Phase IV or Maintenance:

After the completion of the previous three stages of cardiac rehabilitation, the patient is well aware of the heart condition and how best to manage it. Independent exercise and conditioning are essential to maintain optimal health and prevent the possibility of future cardiac problems. While phase IV is an independent maintenance phase, the physiotherapist helps to make changes in the ongoing exercise routine to help achieve physical fitness and wellness. Phase 4 essentially continues for the rest of their life.

By working closely with the concerned physiotherapist and participating fully in the four phases of cardiac rehabilitation, the patient can increase the chances of returning to optimal health quickly and safely.