Life can be unpredictable, at one moment you are sitting down to your dinner table enjoying a nice home cooked meal or maybe you are working out in the yard tending to your garden. The next thing you know you are having chest pains and having a hard time breathing. Things in life are about to change.

There are many symptoms to look for when you suspect you are having a heart attack.

● Pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest and/or left arm

● nausea, indigestion, or heartburn

● Cold sweats, fatigue, or lightheadedness.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms call 911 or see your doctor.

After seeking medical attention at the hospital, your cardiologist could prescribe physical therapy to help rehabilitate your heart. Wasatch Physical Therapy now offers cardiac therapy! The American Heart Association defines cardiac rehabilitation as “a medically supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health if you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty or heart surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation doesn’t change your past, but it can help you improve your heart’s future.“

Your heart is a muscle, and just like any other muscle in your body, you must perform exercises in order to improve strength. Cardiac rehab focuses on improving heart strength while closely monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen. Therapy comprises of aerobic exercises including recumbent bike and treadmill, as well as resistance training. Here are some of the benefits to expect from cardiac rehab:

• Lower your risk of a future cardiac event

• Eat better

• Lose weight

• Return to work

• Engage in daily activities you might have missed

• Stop or reverse damage to your blood vessels

• Improve your stamina, confidence, and well being

• Control heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of air

• Improves Exercise Capacity: 10% to 40% increase in aerobic capacity

Therapy usually lasts for about 2 months and is vital following a cardiac event in order to get you back to life. Patients who have completed a cardiac rehab program can increase their life expectancy for up to 5 years according to the American Heart Association.

We have 4 convenient locations along the Wasatch Front with trained Cardiac Therapists at each location. We give priority scheduling for cardiac rehab so you will not have to wait to be seen. Talk to your cardiologist and come see us today.

References:

Health, L. (2013, January 14). Retrieved July 24, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBwqt3UlG4