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Cardiac Rehabilitation: Hospital Program

Table of Contents


Overview

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) may start while you are in the hospital. The hospital (inpatient) program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. This phase emphasizes exercise and education.

A hospital program may include:

Your hospital rehab staff can provide you with information and resources for making the transition from hospital to home. They can also refer you to a cardiac rehab program in your community.

Exercise program

The following exercises are examples. Your exercise program depends on your medical history, clinical status, and symptoms.

Discuss with your doctor any additional physical limitations or medical issues before you begin any exercise program.

An exercise program in the hospital progresses from initial supportive and self-care activities to regular daily walking.

Here are some examples of initial activity:1

Step 1.
  • Rest in bed until stable.
  • Sit up in bed with assistance.
  • Stand at bedside with assistance.
  • Perform self-care activities while seated.
Step 2.
  • Sit up in bed independently.
  • Walk in room and to bathroom.
  • Perform self-care activities in bathroom.
Step 3.
  • Sit and stand independently.
  • Walk in hall with assistance: 3 to 5 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day.
Step 4.
  • Walk in hall: 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day.
  • Walk up and down stairs with assistance.

References

Citations

  1. Exercise prescription for individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases (2021). In Liguori G., ed., ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th ed., pp. 68-73. Wolters Kluwer Health. https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781975150228. Accessed November 2, 2021.

Credits for Cardiac Rehabilitation: Hospital Program

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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