February is American Heart Month, when we take time across the nation to focus on strategies for living a heart-healthy life and raise awareness about preventing heart disease. Within this month, during the week of February 11-17, we also celebrate Cardiac Rehabilitation Week. The focus of this time is to learn more about how to manage the disease when it may have already impacted your life or that of a loved one.
Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Nearly half of all Americans possess one or more risk factors for heart disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, a history of smoking, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise. The key to reducing these risks is to manage any current health conditions, such as high cholesterol and hypertension, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, low amounts of trans-fat, saturated fats, sugar and sodium, refrain from smoking, and get plenty of exercise.
Unfortunately for many people, damage to the heart may have already occurred or they may have a family history of heart disease, creating an even higher risk. If an individual does experience a heart attack or is diagnosed with some form of heart disease, the positive news is that cardiac rehabilitation can help. Studies have shown that not only can cardiac rehab help a person recover, it can decrease the chance that a person will die in the five years following a heart attack or bypass surgery by 20% to 30%.
A cardiac rehab program can also improve an individual’s overall quality of life, mentally and physically. Experiencing a heart attack or undergoing any type of cardiac procedure is frightening. Even after the event occurs, most individuals are apprehensive about taking part in routine activities of daily living. It’s normal and understandable to feel this anxiety.
Recovering from a cardiac event or procedure requires specialized rehabilitation efforts. Catholic Health offers our patients access to cardiac rehab services in two different ways: as an outpatient program, or as part of our home and community-based care efforts. Based on the patient’s needs, a collaborative service model allows us to provide care in the setting that best positions each patient for a successful recovery.
Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation is meeting the needs of Niagara County residents at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital. The Phase II outpatient program includes a personalized education and exercise program where rehab specialists work with patients to monitor how the heart responds to activities that challenge stamina and endurance. All activities are individually tailored to meet a patient’s needs, medical condition, and abilities. Glucose levels are always monitored for patients who may be diabetic.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been developed and enhanced through the years to help heart patients resume and maintain their active, healthy lives. Each personalized program is led by a team of specialized clinicians, and is designed to improve heart health, strength, and endurance following a heart attack or surgery.
This month, as we celebrate American Heart Month, take the opportunity to learn more about how you can maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Then, take time to learn more about the comprehensive programs that are available in our community to assist those who are already managing cardiac disease. Medical science and professional care are readily available to assist patients in maintaining the highest quality of life possible.
An open house will be held in the Rehabilitation Department on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome.