Cardiovascular disease accounts for 30% of all deaths in Canada, and there are an estimated 70,000 heart attacks each year in Canada. The average age of heart attack sufferers is 71, and 35% are women. When it comes to the cardiac rehab and recovery process following a heart attack, activity, nutrition and weight loss play a crucial role. Without a healthy combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and good nutrition, the heart attack rehab process is much more complicated, and the risk of a second heart attack is much higher.
“Physical activity does play an important role in weight management, but the number of calories we actually burn is probably far fewer than we think,” says Min Naruki-van Velzen, a health and lifestyle consultant and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “To give you an example, an average person walking every day of the week for an hour, briskly on level ground, probably still won't even burn off the equivalent of a pound of fat.”
What Is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab is a specialized exercise, nutrition and education program that helps you recover after a heart attack or other form of heart disease. Any type of physical activity helps, whether it's walking, snowshoeing, kayaking or fitness classes. However, while aerobic exercise and strength training are essential to your heart attack rehab, you also need to develop a healthy eating plan.
“Without healthy eating and nutrition, it's very difficult to lose and manage weight,” says Naruki-van Velzen.
Your Health and Cardiac Rehab
Depending on your health, heart attack rehab may begin while you're still in the hospital, and will continue with monitored fitness routines. During your cardiac rehab program, you'll work with a variety of health care professionals, including cardiologists, nurse educators, physical therapists, dietitians, and psychologists. Keep in mind, cardiac rehab is not a short-term solution. You must be committed to your cardiac rehab program over days, weeks, months and years.
Is Cardiac Rehab Right for You?
If you're interested in losing or managing your weight talk to your family doctor about getting started in a heart attack rehab program. Or, talk to your local trainer, kinesiologist, dietian and nutritionist to help you along your way to managing your weight. Cardiac rehab isn't appropriate for everyone, so make sure you discuss your cardiovascular health with your health care team.
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