Cardiac Rehabilitation for Heart Failure

What is cardiac rehab? 

Cardiac rehabilitation can be a key step in managing your heart failure. It can help improve your quality and length of life. Everything you need to get and stay healthy is in one place. Health care professionals are always on hand. Rehab can help you achieve better heart health and can help lower your chances of future heart problems.     

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program. It helps heart patients improve overall physical, mental and social function. The goal is to stop your heart failure from getting worse. This can help cut the risk of heart disease, another cardiac event or death. Cardiac rehab programs may take place in a hospital, rehab center or skilled nursing center. There are also programs that can be done at home.  

Cardiac rehab programs usually include:

• A medical evaluation to learn your needs and limitations
• A physical activity program made for you
• Counseling and education to help you understand your condition and how to manage it
• Support and training to help you return to work or normal activities
• Help to change risk factors with diet and medications

Who is part of the health care team?

It’s important to have good relationships with your health care team. Let them know about symptoms or changes in your condition so they can help you. Your health care team may include:

• A primary health care professional to provide routine care
• A heart doctor (cardiologist) to diagnose and treat heart problems
• Clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, other nurses and physician associates to provide care, offer information and perform tests
• Physical and occupational therapists to help with physical and skill-related rehab
• Dietitians to offer heart-healthy eating tips and meal-planning advice
• Mental health professionals to counsel you and your family about the emotions of heart failure
• Social workers and case managers to help with legal and financial advice
• Pharmacists to fill prescriptions and help you understand your medications
• You and your loved ones 

Why should I go to cardiac rehab?

Some people don’t go to cardiac rehab because they think it takes too much time and effort. But cardiac rehab programs save lives. They offer both physical and emotional benefits. Try to overcome things that may keep you from going to rehab. Ask family and friends if you need help getting there. 

Patients who go to rehab often say the benefits are worth the time and energy. If you can’t attend rehab as often as you’d like, going when you can is still helpful. Each step you take is an investment in your heart health.

What if I can’t afford cardiac rehab?

Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover cardiac rehab if you have a referral from your health care professional. 

However, not everyone is eligible for or covered for cardiac rehab. The American Heart Association continues to advocate for laws and policies to make sure all Americans have access to affordable care and cardiac rehab.  

What are other options?

Our Support Network is a place where you can: 

• Share your story
• Find motivation 
• Connect with those who understand your experience

The Support Network is here for you if cardiac rehab isn’t possible or after your rehab program ends.

Ask your health care professional about options in place of a cardiac rehab program. For example, they might suggest a walking program.