[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/heart-attack-recovery-cardiac-rehabilitation\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/heart-attack-recovery-cardiac-rehabilitation\/","headline":"Heart Attack Recovery: Cardiac Rehabilitation","name":"Heart Attack Recovery: Cardiac Rehabilitation","description":"Learn about how cardiac rehabilitation can help you recover from a heart attack. Discover heart-healthy activities to improve your lifestyle.","datePublished":"2015-02-02","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/older-men-talking.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/older-men-talking.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/heart-attack-recovery-cardiac-rehabilitation\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":396,"keywords":["cardiac rehabilitation","exercise","heart attack","heart attack recovery"],"articleBody":"Approximately 1 million people in the United States have a heart attack each year. While heart attacks are a main cause of death for both men and women, many people survive and go on to resume healthy, active lives and enjoy many of the same activities they did before having a heart attack.According to the American Heart Association, cardiac rehabilitation plays a big part in helping people get back to living normal lives.What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?Cardiac rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab, is a program that can make your heart stronger after a heart attack. While rest and a recovery period follow a heart attack, eventually, the time comes for you to resume your day-to-day life.A team of doctors, nurses, and other specially trained staff members create a plan that meets your needs and helps you make healthy choices. This usually includes:ExerciseA look at your risk factorsTips for healthy habitsSupport for the emotions you may feelExerciseIn cardiac rehab, you’ll exercise to make your heart and your whole body stronger. A nurse or other member of your rehab team will be there while you exercise, in case you have any chest pains or other symptoms.A Look at Your Risk FactorsThere are many risk factors for heart attacks, and it’s important to know what yours are.You can’t help some risks, like your age, gender, and family history. But you can help other risks, like:Having high cholesterolHaving high blood pressureBeing overweight or obeseSmokingTips for Healthy HabitsOnce you know the facts about your risks, you can learn how to lower them. This usually means taking on healthy habits, like:Eating healthy foodsGetting regular exerciseQuitting smokingFinding ways to cope with stressTaking medicine if your doctor tells you toSupport for the Emotions You May FeelAfter a heart attack, you might feel scared, anxious, or depressed.This is normal, and your rehab team can put you in touch with support groups and counselors that can help you cope with these feelings.Looking AheadWhile you recover and in the years that follow, you should talk with your doctor if you have chest pain or other symptoms.If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Getting help right away can save your life."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Heart Attack Recovery: Cardiac Rehabilitation","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/02\/heart-attack-recovery-cardiac-rehabilitation\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]