Treatment

What Is Cardiac Rehab? Benefits & Exercises

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 15 May 2025

The heart requires healing, assisted by cardiac experts after going through a major health event. For example, a heart attack, bypass surgery, or chronic heart disease. Being the most crucial organ of the body, the healing and treatment often feel overwhelming. This is where cardiac rehab comes in. However, the question is, what is cardiac rehab?

What Is Cardiac Rehab?

In simple words, cardiac rehabilitation is a special program designed to help patients who have recently suffered from a cardiac event. The program is supervised by experts for heart health improvement. The program combines exercise, medication management, lifestyle changes, education, emotional support, and holistic wellness activities. It aims to recover heart health and strength together, step by step.  

At Jagruti Rehab, we believe healing is personal; thus, the journey requires personalisation. So while our cardiac rehab has all the services needed for cardiac healing, every step of the program is customised for the patient based on the condition, comfort, and needs of the patient.

What Are the Three Phases of Cardiac Rehab?

Cardiac rehab is a structured process of healing for people who have undergone a major cardiac event and need help to recover. It has three main phases. Each of these three core stages of cardiac rehab is designed to improve your emotional and physical well-being. Here is what to expect in each stage:

Phase 1: In-Hospital Recovery

The name of the term says a lot about the stage. It starts right after your cardiac event. Doctors and the other medical team guide you through different activities that are ideal for you to begin your recovery journey. Since it begins right after a surgery and when you are still in the hospital, the exercises and activities done are low-intensity. Also, the main aim of this stage is to prevent complications from inactivity. Typical activities in Phase 1:

• Sitting up in bed or a chair
• Gentle walking in the hospital corridor
• Breathing exercises
• Education on heart health

Phase 2: Structured Outpatient Rehab

The stage begins after you are discharged from the hospital. This stage may last anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on your condition and recovery rate. At Jagruti Rehab, we consider and treat this stage with utmost importance. You will be working closely with expert healthcare professionals every day for:

• Supervised exercise sessions
• Heart-friendly diet plans
• Smoking termination (if needed)
• Stress and anxiety management
• Ongoing monitoring of vital signs

Phase 3: Maintenance and Long-Term Support

While the second stage is the most crucial phase, the third one is equally important. It is because recovery requires consistent efforts for health. Even though the main rehab program ends with phase two, you will receive long-term support and aid with habit building for maintenance. You will be helped with a home exercise plan and an ideal habit that is easy to follow and can be integrated into daily life. The care team may choose to stay in touch with you to check on your recovery; however, with time, the consultation may be less frequent. 

What Are the Potential Benefits of Cardiac Rehab?

There are several benefits of cardiac rehab, and the benefits are both physical and emotional. The rehab program is not a "recovery plan" or a simple treatment; it begins as healing and recovery and then progresses to a healthy way of living through lifestyle change and education. To think of it, it works as a way to maintain long-lasting heart health and prevent any further cardiac events. 

Here is what you gain from joining a cardiac rehab program:

What Does Cardiac Rehab Involve?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured and multidimensional process. It is not just about doing exercises to prevent complications due to inactivity, but mainly about learning how to live better.

Here's what a typical program at Jagruti Rehab includes:

1. Medical Assessment

Before anything begins, your health is evaluated thoroughly. The step includes going through medical history and hospital files. Doctors may choose to do a few additional tests to ensure safety. The medical assessment allows the healthcare team to set safe and achievable goals with a customised plan for you.

2. Personalised Exercise Training

A detailed and structured physical activity plan is designed exclusively for your condition. It is based on your fitness goals, which you decide after your assessment. The entire program is supervised by healthcare professionals and trainers to track and monitor the progress, which is monitored 24/7 to avoid overexertion.

3. Lifestyle Education

You will learn practical ways to eat better, sleep well, and manage stress. You will also be taught simple steps and changes in life, like reading nutrition labels or deep-breathing exercises, that can make a big difference.

4. Mental and Emotional Support

Feeling scared or unsure after a heart event is normal. Rehab includes counselling sessions and introduction to support groups, to help you feel normal and motivated about your new journey. At Jagruti Rehab, we insist on guided meditation sessions for holistic well-being as well.

5. Family Involvement

Recovery is smoother with support. We conduct several family workshops to educate the families about cardiac health and how to maintain it. While the workshops are aimed at helping them create a supportive environment at home, it is generally helpful and increase awareness about health, which is beneficial for everyone. 

Cardiac Rehab Exercises

Exercise is the foundational pillar of any cardiac rehab program. But it is not about running marathons. Cardiac rehab is necessary for education, awareness, and assistance from professional experts to improve heart health. The program involves stages when, with the correct exercises, you learn to move safely, improve endurance, and regain strength. At Jagruti Rehab, we design exercises that match your abilities and evolve as you grow stronger under nonstop supervision.

Types of Cardiac Rehab Exercises

Aerobic Training

Aerobic exercise is necessary to boost your heart's ability to pump efficiently and improve circulation. In the beginning, these exercises are maintained at low intensity. Some examples of exercises are:

• Walking on a treadmill
• Stationary cycling
• Water-based activities (like light swimming)

Strength Training

We focus on rebuilding muscle strength to improve daily movements and activities. A surgery often affects your strength, making movement and carrying weights difficult. Thus, strength training becomes important. Some exercises used are:

• Light resistance bands
• Low-weight dumbbells
• Functional movement training (e.g., sitting and standing safely)

Flexibility and Balance

To improve coordination and reduce the risk of falls:

• Gentle stretching
• Balance exercises
• Tai Chi or seated yoga

Exercises are introduced gradually, and the intensity of exercises is increased carefully after building your endurance. Cardiac rehab keeps your heart safe and improves its health while your body gets stronger.

What Is Cardiac Rehab​ At Jagruti Rehab

Recovery is never a straight line; it has good days and setbacks. But with cardiac rehab at Jagruti Rehab, we don't allow you to walk it alone​. Our team supports you through the stages of cardiac rehab, celebrating your wins, overcoming your challenges, and cheering you on the way.

Whether you're starting cardiac rehab for the first time or transitioning to a maintenance phase, Jagruti Rehab is here with a holistic care approach blending clinical excellence with empathy.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.