REHABILITATION MEDICINE

Cardiac rehabilitation describes all measures used to help people with heart disease return to an active and satisfying life and to prevent recurrence of cardiac events. Cardiac rehabilitation services are provided in collaboration with the patient’s cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, rehabilitation specialist, general practitioner and other health professionals who retain overall responsibility for the patient’s management.

The broad aims of cardiac rehabilitation are to maximise physical, psychological and social functioning to enable people with cardiac disease to lead fulfilling lives with confidence, introduce and encourage behaviour that may minimise the risk of further cardiac events and conditions.

The specific aims of cardiac rehabilitation are to facilitate and shorten the period of recovery after an acute cardiac event, promote strategies for achieving mutually agreed goals of ongoing prevention, develop and maintain skills for long-term behaviour change and self-management and

promote appropriate use of health and community services, including concordance with prescribed medications and professional advice.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an organised approach to achieving these aims and is integrated into the routine management of all cardiac patients at MGM Healthcare. Cardiac rehabilitation includes, and complements, the support and individual medical care given by specialists and general practitioners. Our cardiac rehabilitation programme follows the DREAM protocol – Diet, Relaxation, Exercise, Attitude and Motivation. Our patients are guided through physical activity, health education, counselling, behaviour modification strategies and support for self-management.

Cardiac rehabilitation services are available across a continuum that includes inpatient, outpatient and ongoing prevention approaches. All staff working in cardiac rehabilitation actively participate in ongoing professional development specific to the field.

Diet

A ‘heart healthy’ diet is designed for those who have problems related to the heart (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack) and also for those who would like to reduce the risk of heart diseases in the future.

Relaxation

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to function. You get the oxygen your cells need from the air you breathe. Your body cells use the oxygen you breathe to get energy from the food you eat.

Exercise

Getting regular exercise when you are recovering is important. Exercise can make your heart muscle stronger. It may also help you be more active without chest pain or other symptoms.

Attitude

In psychology, attitude is a psychological construct, a mental and emotional entity that characterises a person. They are complex and an acquired state through experiences.

Motivation

Motivation is the reason for one’s actions, willingness and goals. Motivation is one’s direction to behaviour, a force that acts behind the motives. An individual’s motivation may be inspired by others or events