Did you know that coronary heart disease is prevalent in Singapore? In fact, there were a reported 11,631 heart attack cases in 2020, averaging 31 a day. Your heart is not just another organ; it is the lifeline that keeps your body going. So, when you experience a heart attack or heart-related issue, it is undoubtedly a frightening experience.
While the path to recovery after a heart attack can seem daunting, cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapy can play a pivotal role in the recovery process, nurturing your heart health, lowering the risk of future heart-related issues, and enhancing your quality of life. Let us explore how physical therapy can be an ally for heart patients undergoing cardiac rehab.
Who Requires Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation exercises are generally recommended for those with the following heart conditions:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Those who have undergone angioplasty, stenting, or heart surgery
However, such programmes are not exclusively for heart patients. They are also recommended for those with the following risk factors:
- Any condition that can lead to heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Obesity
Please consult your healthcare professional in Singapore to assess your suitability for physiotherapy before beginning your rehabilitation.
What You Can Expect During Your Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapy usually starts in the hospital or shortly after discharge, where a physiotherapist assesses your fitness and designs a customised programme. As your recovery progresses, the intensity of the exercises can increase as well.
We typically assist our clients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapy through the following:
– An initial assessment which involves an evaluation of your physical condition and fitness level in order to create a suitable rehabilitation plan.
– The supervised exercise programme starts with gentle movements to improve mobility and prevent stiffness. The intensity and difficulty level of the exercises may progress your strength improves.
– Regular monitoring and progress tracking to ensure that your rehabilitation plan is constantly adapted to take into account your recovery progress.
What Are The Benefits Of Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapy?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a suitable solution to minimise further heart complications, improving your quality of life, and providing a myriad of short and long-term benefits.
Benefit #1: Reduce Risk Of Heart Complications
Research shows that physiotherapy can help reduce heart attack recurrence by as much as 47%. This will provide much-needed reassurance for heart patients looking to rebuild their cardiovascular health. Rest assured that your physiotherapist will be with you in every step of your recovery journey, providing customised exercise routines tailored to your needs and condition based on your doctor’s recommendations so as to ensure a swift and safe recovery.
Benefit #2: Rebuild Your Strength
After suffering a heart attack and undergoing surgery, you will feel exhausted, and your muscles are weak due to prolonged inactivity. Physiotherapy can help rebuild your strength and endurance and get you moving safely again. By strengthening your heart muscles, you are also lightening its load and boosting overall function, thus improving your cardiovascular health.
Benefit #3: Improve Your Quality Of Life
Cardiac rehabilitation is not just about healing the heart. With a healthier body and a stronger heart, you will have greater energy and mobility to resume daily activities and participate in the hobbies you love again whilst minimising the risk of injury. As a result, you may find your mental well-being improving and feel less depressed about your condition.
Restore Your Health with The Home Physio
At The Home Physio, we recognise the challenges that come with recovering from a heart attack or heart condition. By identifying key risk factors early on, we ensure that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. Our focus is on supporting you in rebuilding your heart health and confidence, helping you return to your usual routine. With our home physiotherapy and post-operative care, we provide personalised support in the comfort of your own home. Visit our website to find out more about our services and packages.
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