CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Two Cardiac Rehab Patients , Two Specialized Programs , Two Lives Changed
Thanks to the nationally recognized cardiac rehab program at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas , patients ’ lives are being changed every day . In addition to traditional cardiac rehab , patients are referred to the program for specialized care to help them regain their livelihoods and reclaim their lives . A variety of cardiac rehab components were the subjects of research studies and clinical trials in fiscal year 2018 . Two such cases have recently been published in Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings .
SPECIFICITY OF TRAINING IN CARDIAC REHAB TO FACILITATE A PATIENT ’ S RETURN TO STRENUOUS WORK FOLLOWING AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT
While the benefits of cardiac rehab are wellestablished for patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery or experienced acute coronary syndrome , few data are available for patients who have undergone heart valve surgery . However , some evidence suggests that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves their exercise capacity .
A 30-year-old male worker on an oil rig underwent aortic valve replacement and subsequently enrolled in Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas ’ exercisebased CR program . He expressed a strong desire to return to his physically demanding job . Based on his unique job requirements , cardiac rehabilitation staff designed and implemented comprehensive tests and a five-week specific physical training program that included six exercises simulating his job functions . The program consisted of three 75-minute exercise sessions each week . The selected exercises are not typically prescribed in traditional CR programs but mimicked the muscular strength / endurance required to perform his job .
The goals set for each of the six specific exercises were accomplished and resulted in the patient rapidly regaining his muscular strength through the specially designed training program . The exercise regimen was successfully completed without adverse signs or symptoms and enabled the patient to return to work within approximately two months of completion . This case demonstrates how a customized , medically supervised training program can safely and effectively return a relatively young patient to a level of strength and fitness that enabled him to return to a physically demanding job within three months of aortic valve replacement . This sends an important message to patients that returning to a physically active lifestyle or occupation following major cardiac surgery is often attainable and should be discussed frankly with their cardiologist / cardiothoracic surgeon and CR staff .
Returning to a physically active lifestyle or occupation following major cardiac surgery is often attainable .