Locations:
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist helps heart attack survivors improve their heart health. They make individual plans for each person to follow in a three-month program. A cardiac rehabilitation specialist will give you exercises to do slowly and then increase your exertion over time. They monitor your blood pressure and oxygen level.
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist is like a coach who makes a personal plan for you to recover after a heart attack. They can start you off slowly. Then, they gradually increase your exercise intensity. You’ll work with a team of cardiac rehabilitation specialists, and each might have a different role in helping you recover after a setback.
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist helps you strengthen your heart after a heart attack or other heart issue. They supervise you when you’re doing your specialized exercise program. This ensures that you’re safe and aren’t overdoing it. If you have an issue while exercising, they know how to respond and help you.
They can:
People in a cardiac rehab program take part in an exercise program that a cardiac rehabilitation specialist creates for each person. Cardiac rehabilitation specialists provide medical supervision while you follow their plan. This three-month program also helps people with other aspects of their health, such as eating healthier and controlling stress.
No. Cardiac rehab is much more than physical therapy, which only includes exercise and strength building to help you recover after an injury to a muscle or joint. In addition to providing an exercise program, cardiac rehab can help you stop using tobacco products, improve your eating habits, cut down your stress level and manage your medications.
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You may see a cardiac rehabilitation specialist after you’ve had:
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist helps you recover from these issues. Also, they work with you to prevent them from happening again. In addition to helping you have less chest pain, they help you have more strength for ordinary tasks like carrying laundry.
Yes, you’ll need a referral to see a cardiac rehabilitation specialist. And you may need to ask a provider for one. You’ll be glad you did. Studies have found that people who take part in cardiac rehab feel better, get stronger and can lower their risk of another heart attack. According to studies, cardiac rehab is helpful for anyone, regardless of their:
With a provider’s referral, many insurance plans provide coverage for cardiac rehab for certain clinical situations.
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At your first appointment, your cardiac rehabilitation specialist will talk with you about your medical history. They’ll ask you which medications you take, including those you buy without a prescription. They may also talk about your eating habits and how you’re feeling. They’ll measure your height and weight. Also, they’ll determine your current fitness level and decide which kinds of activities make sense for you.
Once a cardiac rehabilitation specialist has the information they need to put together an exercise plan for you, you’ll visit two or three times a week for three months. At each session, you’ll do aerobic exercises and activities to make your muscles stronger. You may ride an exercise bike and then lift weights, for example. During your visit, your cardiac rehabilitation specialist may check your oxygen level and blood pressure a few times.
You’ll be in a room with other people who’ve had a cardiac event and are using machines and weights to get physical activity. It’s similar to a gym, but everyone there has had an issue with their heart.
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist will check your:
They’ll also measure your waist and calculate your body mass index (BMI). They may ask you to do a six-minute walk test to see how far you can walk in that amount of time.
Also, they may ask you questions to find out how well you can do everyday tasks.
Cardiac rehabilitation specialists are experts in helping heart attack survivors get stronger and take control of their health. They put together an exercise plan that’s specific to you and your situation. Like a personal trainer, they’re there to guide you and supervise your exercise.
Cardiac rehabilitation specialist requirements start with a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field. Other options include a registered nurse license or rehabilitation therapist credential. Once you have one of those, you need to work 1,200 hours in cardiac rehabilitation. Then you can apply to take an exam to become a certified cardiac rehabilitation professional.
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Cardiac rehabilitation specialists work in hospitals that have cardiac rehabilitation programs. They may start working with you while you’re still in the hospital. When your provider sends you home after your hospital stay, they may advise you to continue cardiac rehab on an outpatient basis. Some cardiac rehab centers may be in separate locations instead of on a hospital campus.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
After a heart attack, it can be scary to exercise. You may worry that you’ll end up in the hospital again. But a cardiac rehabilitation specialist will ease you back into physical activity and monitor you to make sure you’re OK. A cardiac rehabilitation specialist works to help you improve your health and quality of life. You’re not alone in pursuing your goals, and they want you to succeed.
Last reviewed on 08/19/2022.
Learn more about our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy