Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a broad name for a number of conditions affecting the function of the heart. In recent years these conditions have been on the increase, however people are living longer with the disease due to improved medical care, which includes physiotherapy. Nowadays, early rehabilitation of the cardiac patient is standard medical procedure, and as with all other illnesses, physiotherapy for the cardiac patient is tailored to the person’s physical condition and needs.

The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to restore the patient, whether he has a chronic condition or an acute event, to optimum functioning. Physiotherapy imparts the tools a person needs to lead a more educated lifestyle and thus prevent a recurrence of the event or condition. As your physiotherapist in Footscray we begin with a thorough evaluation of your strength, endurance and rate of exertion during activity. We will educate you on your condition and advise you on any lifestyle changes you may need to make. Energy conservation (proper balance of rest and activity) is always stressed. The program is then tailored to meet your specific needs.

What to expect from a cardiac rehab program?

You can expect regular, daily ambulation to improve blood circulation, increase energy and endurance. Your physiotherapist will also have you perform ankle pumps to prevent pooling of venous blood in the legs and resultant dizziness. During and after therapy, we will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen intake and ask you about your rate of perceived exertion. Depending on your responses, therapy will continue on the same course or may be modified to suit your condition.
Some benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in Physiohealth:

• Healing from the disease
• Increased strength and endurance
• Improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Decreased stress

After leaving physiotherapy, many patients report that they feel better than they had before they became ill. This is because physiotherapy also fights other conditions that coexisted with or might have given rise to cardiovascular disease; excess weight, stress and high blood pressure, to name a few. So if you suffer from heart disease, come and see us at Physiohealth. We’ll be happy to chat with you.