Health Tip: Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation under professional supervision often is recommended for people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, or a related operation.
The American Heart Association lists these benefits of cardiac rehabilitation:
* A rehab program, based on a medical evaluation, often is tailored to a person's specific needs and health problems.
* During physical activity, your blood pressure and heart rate are closely monitored.
* Getting regular exercise can help reduce stress, strengthen your heart, and increase your energy.
* Rehabilitation often includes counseling on making lifestyle changes, including on what to eat, how to prepare food, how to manage stress, quitting smoking, and the importance of taking your medications.
* An associated support group may be available to help you talk about and deal with your concerns and health issues.
Health Tip: Before You Use a Blood Thinner
Blood thinning medications are prescribed to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel blockages caused by clots.
They also are prescribed for people who have cardiac problems including atrial fibrillation, phlebitis or congestive heart failure, the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital says.
Blood thinners may interact with popular medications -- like aspirin, ibuprofen and antacids -- so before you take a blood thinner, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you take.
People who use blood thinners need to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. They also should have their blood tested regularly, to monitor how well the medication is working.
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