Stories
From The Heart:
At age 32, I got the shock of my life, when I was told I needed heart surgery.
After, surgery, Cardiac Rehab helped me regain my strength and confidence.
I even lost 15 kg in three months.
Mr.Satchid Sargaonka,. Age 32 Bypass surgery on 15 september,2004.
I had an angiography with one 100% blockage and was adviced surgery. However,
My cardiac surgeon advised Cardiac Rehab. At first I thought it was a gym,but
then realized that exercise was only one component and the overall emphasis
was on complete health and cardiac care.
Mr.Rajendra Jhaveri, Age53.Angiography on 24 August,2003.
After enrolling in Cardiac Rehab I have experienced much better control of
my blood sugar and blood pressure. I lead a normal life as if nothing has
ever happened to my heart.
Mrs. Villy Elavia,Age 64.Angioplasty on 18 July,2003.
After bypass surgery I was very scared to undertake any exertion due to advanced
age and low pumping capacity of my heart (EF was 25%), but now I feel young
again and am able to walk more than an hour daily and took part in the Mumbai
Marathon 2005.
Mr. Ramesh Bhimani, Age 76.Bypass surgery on 24 December,2003.
What
is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a multi-dimensional program designed for those who
suffer from heart disease. The program reduces their future risk through medical
evaluation, prescribed exercise, cardiac risk factor modification, education
and counseling.
Goals of the program are to:
Decrease further
risk of disease or heart attacks
Instill confidence
to resume work and normal activities of daily living
Begin an exercise
program that is safe and effective
Improve dietary
habits and lifestyle
Speed up the
psychological aspects of recovery
Recovery from Bypass Surgery/Angioplasty/Heart Attack
A heart attack or an intervention procedure such as bypass surgery or angioplasty
is a consequence of heart disease. After the event, it is crucial to keep
your risk factors to a minimum, to keep your arteries free of blockage, which
is the main aim of the program. Patients are eligible to join the program
one to four weeks after discharge, depending on their medical condition.
Is Cardiac Rehab right for me?
The program is recommended for individuals who have experienced any one or
more of the following conditions:
Heart attack
Bypass surgery
Angioplasty
(stent)
Angiography
showing blockage
Angina
Heart valve
surgery
Heart transplant
surgery
How will this help me?
Studies have shown that Cardiac Rehabilitation significantly reduces the risk
of future death and complications of heart disease. The focus of the program
is not just on exercise, but to change your lifestyle and risk factors to
achieve a long and healthy life, free of heart disease.
Will my doctor be involved?
Your personal physician and cardiologist are an integral part of your care
and will be informed about your progress. They will also be involved in any
decision affecting your medical care.
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation:
Phase I: In the hospital
This begins in the hospital following a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty.
Low level physical activity begins in the ICU itself and is gradually increased
during the stay in hospital. Education on cardiac risk factors is initiated
and the patient is advised appropriate lifestyle modification.
Phase II : Out-patient
The patient
attends the program 3 times a week at the Rehabilitation Center. During each
session the patient exercises using state-of-the-art portable heart monitoring
equipment, known as telemetry. This ensures optimal amount of exercise in
the safest manner possible.
An individualized program of lifestyle modification, including in-depth nutrition
counseling is planned. All of the patients risk factors are monitored, and
kept under strict control. Patients are also introduced to Yoga meditation
techniques. The duration of the program is between one and three months, depending
on the medical condition.
Phase III:
This begins on completion of Phase II, once the patient is more independent.
The focus continues on education and lifestyle modification and risk reduction.
Exercise is performed under supervision, and telemetry is used if indicated.
Other programs:
In addition to the above, indiasurgerytour.com represented hospitals regularly
conduct week-end camps, designed to help those who are unable to attend our
regular programs. The goal is to introduce the patient to various risk reduction
methods, which they can then follow on their own.