Cardiac Rehab: Your Path to a Stronger, Healthier Heart

“Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps individuals rebuild strength, improve their heart health and lower the risk of future heart problems,” said Steven Cohn, MD, Medical Director of Inspira Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Vineland and Elmer. 

What cardiac rehab involves 

Cardiac rehab involves a personalized plan to help you recover safely after a heart issue like a heart attack, stent, angioplasty, valve replacement or bypass surgery. Each program typically includes three components: 

• Monitored exercise: Personalized exercise plans that strengthen your heart and boost endurance
• Education: Guidance on nutrition, medications and managing risk factors, like high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Emotional support: Cardiac rehab enhances emotional well-being, reduces depressive symptoms, and improves independence in older adults.
• Most people attend cardiac rehab three times a week for about 12 weeks, although the schedule may vary according to your needs and goals. The program starts with a full evaluation and continues with supervised sessions tailored to your fitness level and condition. 

The team behind your recovery 

Cardiac rehab brings together a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, clinical exercise physiologists, respiratory therapists and dietitians. These professionals monitor your progress, track vital signs and adjust your program as you improve. 

“Patients often find reassurance in knowing that their exercise is closely monitored by a team of specialists for safety, especially during the early stages of recovery,” said Dr. Cohn. “The team also provides tools to help you manage your health independently after the program ends.” 

Proven health benefits 

Research indicates that completing cardiac rehabilitation leads to improved outcomes. Participants often experience: 

• Improved endurance, flexibility and overall fitness
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• A reduced risk of future heart events and hospital readmissions
• Better mood and less anxiety or depression
• A greater sense of confidence in managing daily activities 

Studies have found that individuals who complete cardiac rehabilitation are significantly less likely to experience another cardiac event than those who do not complete their program. 

Who can benefit from cardiac rehab? 

You may qualify for cardiac rehab if you’ve had: 

• A heart attack
• Heart failure
• Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow (stable angina)
• A procedure such as angioplasty, stent placement or valve repair
• Open-heart surgery or a heart transplant 

Your cardiologist or primary care provider can decide if cardiac rehab is right for you and provide a referral. 

Cardiac rehab: What to expect day to day 

Most programs include supervised exercise sessions that use treadmills, stationary bikes, recumbent steppers and resistance training equipment. Warm-ups and cooldowns are built in to ensure safe exercise and recovery. In Cardiac Rehab, you’ll improve your conditioning and learn about heart-healthy eating, medication management and ways to handle stress more effectively. 

“It’s incredible to see patients regain their strength, confidence, and quality of life. Our comprehensive approach of blending exercise, education, and support truly helps them build lasting heart health,” said Thomas Moccia, DO, Medical Director of Inspira Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Mullica Hill and Deptford. 

Cardiac rehab is about more than exercise; it’s rebuilding your confidence and taking charge of your health. With support, education and encouragement, you can regain strength and enjoy a more active life after a heart event. 

If you’ve recently had a heart issue, ask your doctor about enrolling in cardiac rehab to support a stronger recovery.

Learn more about cardiology and heart health at Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care.