Cardiac Rehabilitation
The primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to enable the participant to achieve his/her optimal physical, psychological, and social functioning through exercise training and lifestyle change.
- Click here to find a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program near you by searching the AACVPR Program Directory.
- Click here for a Cardiac Rehabilitation Fact Sheet. Print the file and distribute it in your waiting room!
- Click here to download a document that outlines clinical evidence of the benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation.
As a service, cardiac rehabilitation includes:
- Prescribed exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness without exceeding safe limits.
- Education about heart disease along with counseling on ways to stabilize or reverse heart disease by improving risk factors.
- Reduction/Cessation of Smoking
- Lowering Cholesterol
- Controlling High Blood Pressure
- Weight Loss/Control
- Improve/Manage Diabetes
- Increasing Physical Activity
- Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
- Improve Psychological Well Being
Those who benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation include those with a history of:
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
- Current stable angina pectoris
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)/ or coronary stenting
- Heart or heart-lung transplant
- Heart Failure and those with ventricular assist devices
- Coronary artery disease equivalents such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease
Select the corresponding button below to expand for additional resources based on category.
General Resources
May 2012 – AACVPR partnered with Life Systems International (LSI) Inc on an educational documentary produced by the Discovery Channel's Profile Series. This documentary spotlights the preventive medicine of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Specifically, the overwhelmingly positive outcomes for patients and the equally surprising underutilization of this healthcare service throughout the USA. The video also highlights that use of this service seems to be less utilized by women. AACVPR is highlighted as the key industry participant for guidelines and best practices. LSI is highlighted as an industry leader in technology and innovation. Watch the documentary.
Heart Failure
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is atherosclerosis or clogging of the arteries outside of the heart. This includes the arteries leading to your legs, kidneys, brain, arms, stomach and aorta. People with coronary artery disease are at higher risk of developing PAD, and vice versa. Just like atherosclerosis of your heart arteries, PAD can be treated with medicines, lifestyle changes, including exercise, and, if needed, surgical procedures. Look below for more information about PAD and lifestyle changes to prevent/manage PAD.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Lowering Cholesterol
Controlling Blood Pressure
Weight Loss/Control
Healthy Eating Habits
Managing Stress and Depression
Smoking Cessation
Diabetes Management/Prevention