What is Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation?

 Ahmed, N. (2013, March 25). Cardiac rehabilitation therapy: 

A few minutes on the treadmill can do wonders - 

The Express Tribune. Retrieved September 11, 2015. 

It is a well-known fact that heart disease is the number one killer in the US and the epidemic is only continuing to grow. Along with the increase of congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases are becoming more apparent including chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and coronary artery disease. Although COPD and CHF are clearly different, “there is considerable resemblance in the systemic consequences of these disease entities and their effects on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life”.1  Cardiac rehabilitation (or cardiac rehab) facilities have been opened across the country to increase functional capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD or CHF. The goal in cardiac rehab is to improve muscular strength and endurance in the patient’s heart, lungs and peripheral muscles through aerobic and anaerobic training. Older populations often don’t go to the gym or fitness centers due to fear of hurting themselves, in cardiac rehab all patients are monitored closely.

Typically, exercise is reduced significantly in a patient diagnosed with either COPD or heart disease due to symptom limitations.2 It has been documented that when exercising loads are applied intermittently (alternating periods of high intensity exercise with periods of low intensity exercise or rest, COPD and CHF patients can tolerate high work rates (100% of peak work rate) with lower metabolic and cardiorespiratory demands.2 Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been proven to help patients with COPD and CHF but, once the program is over, the benefits are quickly reversed after a few weeks.2

Having spent much time working in a cardiopulmonary rehab facility, I can attest to the physical and mental improvements of these patients. The Better Breathers Club in Stephenville, Texas is a rehab facility where patients pay a small monthly fee and receive monitored exercise training three days a week. I have observed and assisted with some tremendous improvements with many of the clients. It is important for patients to maintain the activity level even after leaving cardiac rehab. Many hospitals offer a maintenance program for patients who have graduated from cardiac rehab so they can maintain their new lifestyle.

References:

1Journal of Applied Physiology Jul 2013, 115 (1) 16-21; DOI:

10.1152/japplphysiol.00195.2013

2Louvaris, Z., & Vogiatzis, I. (2015). Physiological basis of cardiopulmonary

rehabilitation in patients with lung or heart disease. Breathe, 11(2), 120–127. http://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.021114