It’s estimated that one person dies every thirty-three seconds because of cardiovascular disease. This type of heart disease is truly one of the silent killers of our generation.
If you suffer from cardiovascular disease or suffered a heart attack recently, it might feel like there’s nothing you can do about it. However, this isn’t the case. Professionals like cardiac rehabilitation specialists can help you get your health back on track.
But what exactly is a cardiac rehabilitation specialist? And when should you consider seeing one? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can decide if these heart health experts are right for your needs.
What Is a Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist?
You can think of a cardiac rehabilitation specialist as a kind of life coach for heart health. Following a heart attack, people are often scared to start working out again, even though this is the very thing that can improve their heart health.
A cardiac rehabilitation specialist will come up with a personalized recovery plan that’s specifically tailored to your needs. When working with one of these professionals, you’ll begin exercising slowly.
Gradually, under their supervision, you’ll begin adding intensity to each session. Keep in mind that you’ll likely work with a team of cardiac and pulmonary rehab specialists instead of just one single person.
How Can They Help You Improve Heart Health?
Most of the time, a cardiac rehabilitation specialist will be overseeing your exercise routine in cardiopulmonary rehab. Their main goal is to strengthen your cardiac muscles following an attack or condition diagnosis.
If you experience problems while exercising, they can help you or provide medical attention. That being said, exercise isn’t the only way they can help you.
A cardiac rehab nurse might teach you more about nutrition that supports weight loss and heart health. They can help you quit tobacco products, which are bad for your heart.
They can also help manage things like your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and other symptoms to live a longer and happier life.
What Are Some Signs You Should See a Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist?
The two clear signs that you should see a cardiac rehab specialist are if you suffered a heart attack or heart failure recently. However, it’s important to note that these aren’t the only two candidates.
We also recommend seeing one if you’ve had a heart transplant or an angioplasty. The same goes if you have pain in the abdomen caused by fluid congestion.
People who’ve undergone heart valve replacement, outpatient heart procedures, or a coronary artery bypass can also benefit from it.
If you aren’t sure whether or not you should see one, consult with your doctor. They can let you know if you qualify to see one.
Appreciate Learning About This Important Cardiac Role. Keep Exploring
We hope this guide helped you learn more about the role a cardiac rehabilitation specialist can play in your heart health journey. Getting back into exercise following a heart attack can be incredibly scary.
But these professionals can help you take baby steps until you feel completely comfortable in your fitness journey. If you want more health topics like this one, keep exploring our site to find plenty more.
