Cardiac Rehabilitation: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about cardiac rehab:	What is cardiac rehab? Why is it done? Who is on a cardiac rehab team? Who can benefit from cardiac rehab? Who should not take part in cardiac rehab? What are the proven health benefits?
Assessing your risk before you participate in cardiac rehab:	How will my doctor decide whether I can take part in cardiac rehab? What is an electrocardiogram? What are general exercise guidelines for cardiac rehab if I have heart failure?
Participating in cardiac rehab:	When do I start cardiac rehab? Why do I need to exercise? What do I need to keep track of? How do I find my target heart rate? What are the different phases of cardiac rehab? Should I stop exercising if I feel chest pain? How long do I participate in cardiac rehab?
Continuing cardiac rehab for life:	Can I return to a normal life after cardiac rehab? Why is it important for me to manage stress and avoid depression? What are the American Heart Association guidelines for a heart-healthy diet? How can I eat a heart-healthy diet? How can I start a walking program?

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Last updated:	October 08, 2008
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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