Cardiac Rehabilitation: The 3 Phases of Cardiovascular Care
Learn how a cardiac rehabilitation program works after intensive cardiovascular care: the inpatient, outpatient and maintenance phases, step by step.
Cardiovascular disease is a group of conditions caused by problems in the heart and blood vessels. The most common are stroke and heart disease. Patients who need intensive cardiovascular care must receive serious treatment to recover. Read on for an overview of intensive cardiovascular care.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program
- Phase I Rehabilitation Program
A cardiovascular rehabilitation program aims at comprehensive secondary prevention and comes with a physical exercise program. Phase I of the program is also called the inpatient phase. It is carried out while the patient is still receiving hospital care.
The goal of this phase is to protect the patient from the effects of the disease, the effects of treatment, deconditioning and prolonged bed rest. Patients are also encouraged to start moving early so they can leave the hospital soon, carry out daily activities and take care of themselves independently.
The program starts in the intensive care unit where patients with serious cardiovascular disease are treated, then continues in the regular ward, the examination rooms and the outpatient service areas. Patients who have moved to a non-intensive ward receive education, information and counseling about risk factors and how to manage them.
Read also: Tips for Keeping Your Child's Heart Healthy
A patient's fitness after treatment for cardiovascular disease is very important for estimating the risk of further problems. So patients who are about to go home take a pre-discharge fitness assessment, ranging from a simple exercise test such as a 6-minute walking test to a maximal exercise test on a treadmill or ergocycle, matched to the patient's condition.
- Phase II Rehabilitation Program
This phase is also called the outpatient phase or intervention phase. It aims to address risk factors and return the patient, after treatment for cardiovascular disease, to the best possible mental, physical and social condition. The program lasts 1 to 3 months to assess the patient's latest condition and what the patient needs.
In this phase, patients are educated again about risk factors, as a reminder, and about how to control them. Patients who have been through intensive cardiovascular care take a cardiac exercise test to find out their fitness level. They then receive recommendations for physical activity based on the results of the test.
Read also: What Happens During a Cardiac Echocardiography
- Phase III Rehabilitation Program
The third phase of the rehabilitation program is also called the maintenance phase. It aims to keep risk factors under control and to maintain the healthy habits the patient is already practicing independently. The doctor re-educates the patient and sets up a follow-up program for the patient to carry out alone. Consultation and evaluation can last 6 to 12 months.
Cardiovascular disease needs special treatment, because a relapse at any time can cause the patient's death. After treatment, patients also complete a rehabilitation program to restore their condition and get back to daily activities. You can visit the nearest heart hospital for a consultation and treatment for your heart health.
