For people who are diagnosed with heart disease, life can change in an instant and most everyone knows a person affected.

However, there is a less publicized side of cardiac diagnosis. Exactly how does one deal with the challenges of known heart disease or life after surgery?

According to Julie Wilson, RN, Cardiac Rehab at Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH), "During National Heart Month in February, the focus is traditionally on prevention, treatment and warning signs. Despite the fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US, there are millions of people who live active and normal lives with heart disease. We see dozens of them each week in cardiac rehab here at DCMH."

Wilson stated that Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) is a medically supervised program that provides people with health education and exercise training that can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of future health problems. "Each client comes to cardiac rehab with different health issues, educational needs, and levels of physical activity," Wilson stated.

Gene Franklin is one of the clients that takes advantage of cardiac rehab and attests to the benefits, "Since I have been exercising in cardiac rehab, I can do a lot more work around the farm without having to stop and rest. I don’t get so tired and worn out," said Franklin.

Local resident Ed Daihl is another person benefiting from cardiac rehab at DCMH. "Now that I know that I have a heart problem, I want to have the peace of mind to exercise again. I need to know that it is safe for my heart when I return to my vigorous workouts," Daihl commented.

Cardiac rehab is important for those with heart problems such as: angina (chest pains), heart attack, heart catheterization with either stents or angioplasty, open heart surgery for bypass or valve replacement, or heart transplant. Most cardiac rehab programs feature three phases. Phase I starts while someone is still in the hospital. Phase II begins shortly after someone leaves the hospital and lasts up to a few months. Phase III follows and helps someone maintain an exercise routine and continue their healthy lifestyle for the long term.

In the outpatient Phase II program at DCMH, exercise sessions are scheduled three days a week for patients, regardless of where the person was originally hospitalized. A heart monitor is worn during exercise with blood pressure and heart rate checks being done before, during, and after every session. A medical professional reviews many items that include heart anatomy, medications, and specific cardiac procedures or interventions. There are individualized educational sessions discussing risk factors for heart disease such as: being overweight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stress. A home exercise program is established and encouraged, and a dietary consult and smoking cessation classes are also available.

The resulting benefits of cardiac rehab include: supervised exercise training to increase tolerance and overall health, identifying risk factors for heart disease, and getting help with making changes to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle. Wilson added, "The social aspect of group exercise classes seems to help clients foster friendships that encourage them to get better and make positive health changes. Ultimately the goal for everyone is to improve the quality of life for people with heart disease and reduce their risks of future problems."

Those with questions or needing more information on cardiac rehab are encouraged to contact Wilson at 663-1328.