Heart Rehab is Making Me Stronger

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. I am not a medical expert. All words contained in this post are written from my own experience. Always consult with your physician about your heart health and the risks of a heart attack.

After I had a heart attack, I received a consult for heart rehabilitation. I was elated to know that my health insurance would pay for thirty-six one hour rehabilitation visits. I began my course Monday, August 24th.

What is Heart Rehabilitation?

Heart rehabilitation is conducting cardio and strengthening exercises in a controlled environment. I feel this is super important to get your heart back healthy and strong. Having a heart attack is a traumatic experience. An event took place that has rendered your heart to a weakened state. Recovering from a heart attack is not an overnight process, and heart rehab is an important step in the journey. Not only should you monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, but it is also important to mind the medications you were prescribed.

The staff at Arnot Ogden Heart and Vascular Institute are extremely helpful and compassionate. I am blessed to have been a patient of theirs. They are there to answer questions that I may have. This is all new territory for me, and I know I’m not alone. There are many factors that go into why people have heart attacks. By going to rehab, you should learn what to do and what not to do so that you’re not in that position again. I will take the knowledge they pass on to me to continue strengthening my heart. I attend morning classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. Bright and early!

Heart rehab usually begins with paperwork. Doesn’t EVERYTHING begin with paperwork? Once that’s complete, your rehab specialist may walk you around to show you what the program consists of. The day you begin your rehabilitation program, dress appropriately: running/walking shoes, shorts and shirt that’s comfortable. The program I’m in issues you a monitor with four leads that you’re shown how to hook up on your body: two on the chest and two on the ribs. A nurse monitors your heart rate, which is displayed on a computer to make sure that your heart isn’t being too overworked too soon. Your blood pressure is also taken during your exercise time.

My morning began with hooking up my monitor. Once the other participants arrived, we did a brief, thorough warm-up. After warming up, I rode on a stationary bike for ten minutes. Then I went over to a treadmill and walked at a fair pace and one percent grade for twenty minutes. Once completed, I walked around the facility for a few minutes to bring my heart rate down and to not allow my blood to pool. Then we did some brief light weights to keep the blood flow going. The program was finished with a light cool-down and stretch.

I am looking forward to continuing this program and to continue strengthening my heart.

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