In my career as a cardiologist, Mr. Lee's case is the most memorable. Mr. Lee, a 65-year-old retired teacher, was admitted to the hospital after a dinner with chest pain. He was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and required urgent intervention. After the successful surgery, the biggest challenge Mr. Lee faced was the recovery of heart function. At this time, the importance of cardiac rehabilitation exercise is unmistakable.
During his journey of rehabilitation, Mr. Li began a systematic cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. Initially, he was only able to walk slowly for a few minutes in the corridors of the hospital, but with continuous effort and professional guidance, his physical strength and heart function gradually improved. After a few months, Mr. Lee was not only able to do a 30-minute brisk walk, but he was also able to complete some lightweight strength training with ease. His journey to recovery has not only brought him back to health, but also greatly improved his quality of life.
Through Mr. Li's story, we can see that cardiac rehabilitation exercise is not only a continuation of life, but also an improvement in the quality of life. This scientific approach to exercise has helped heart patients regain their confidence and enthusiasm for life.
The Scientific Basis of Cardiac Rehabilitation: How to Rebuild Heart Function Through Exercise
The scientific basis of cardiac rehabilitation is an integral part of the rehabilitation program for every cardiac patient, involving a multifaceted physiological mechanism. At its core, it is about optimizing the function and structure of the heart through systematic physical activity.
Improves blood supply to the heart: Consistent aerobic exercise can enhance the heart's pumping function, improving the heart's ability to supply blood by increasing cardiac output. This is especially important for patients after heart disease, as their blood supply to the heart is often restricted due to the disease.
Strengthens the heart muscle: Regular exercise can cause heart muscle cells to proliferate, and the heart muscle becomes stronger. This muscle strengthening helps the heart pump blood more efficiently, allowing it to gradually regain function even after past injuries.
Improves endurance and efficiency: Consistent exercise can improve the heart's endurance and make the heart work at a lower heart rate, which increases the efficiency of the heart's work. This means that the heart doesn't have to overwork to pump the same amount of blood.
Regulates blood pressure and heart rate: Rehabilitation exercises can help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart. With regular exercise, the patient's resting heart rate is usually lower, the amount of blood the heart outputs with each beat increases, and the overall heart is less burdened.
Increase the elasticity of blood vessels: Exercise can increase the elasticity of blood vessels, allowing them to better adapt to changes in blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Through these physiological changes, cardiac rehabilitation exercises provide patients with an effective way to gradually restore and improve heart function. Not only that, but these exercises also help the patient to recover psychologically from the shadow of the illness and rebuild a positive attitude towards life.
Exercise for people with heart disease: A healthy heartbeat starts with exercise
Cardiac rehabilitation is a critical component for people with heart disease to recover and maintain their health. According to the advice of medical experts, it is very important to choose the right type of exercise based on the specific situation of the patient. Not only do these exercises help restore heart function, but they also improve overall quality of life.
Progressive aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise is preferred by people with heart disease because they help strengthen the heart and circulatory system. Recommended aerobic exercise includes:
Walking: Walking is the easiest and safest cardiac rehabilitation exercise. It does not require special equipment and can be done almost anywhere.
Swimming: Swimming is a full-body exercise with little impact on the joints, especially for patients with joint pain or heavy weight.
Cycling: Whether indoor or outdoors, cycling is an effective low-impact cardiovascular exercise.
Jogging: For some patients with better fitness, jogging can be gradually incorporated into the training program.
Strength training
Strength training is essential for maintaining muscle strength and bone density, and is also very beneficial for cardiac rehabilitation. Recommended exercises include:
Light training with dumbbells: Perform low- to moderate-intensity training with a focus on strengthening the upper limbs and core.
Elastic band exercises: Elastic bands can help with a variety of stretching and resistance exercises and are suitable for beginner and intermediate trainers.
Flexibility and balance exercises
Yoga and tai chi not only improve flexibility and balance, but they also help reduce stress, which can be very beneficial for people with heart disease.
Implementation Guide for Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercises: Scientific Training, Safety First
Cardiac rehabilitation exercises must be performed under professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. The following are the basic guidelines for the implementation of cardiac rehabilitation exercises:
Conduct a health assessment
Before starting any exercise routine, the patient must undergo a comprehensive health assessment by a cardiologist, including an electrocardiogram, cardiac stress test, and examination of baseline health indicators.
Create a personalized workout plan
Based on the results of the assessment, the physiotherapist or rehabilitation specialist will develop a personalized exercise plan that clearly indicates the type, frequency, duration and intensity of the exercise.
Gradually increase the intensity of your workout
Cardiac rehabilitation exercises should follow the principle of gradual intensification. In the initial phase, the intensity of the workout should be kept low to moderate. As your fitness improves, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.