FAQ

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive program that helps people improve their heart health after a medical event or procedure. It usually starts with an assessment of heart health and risk factors. From there, a care team creates a plan that may include supervised exercise, education and skills for heart-healthy living, and support for managing stress and other life challenges that can affect heart health. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

An optimal cardiac rehabilitation experience includes about 36 weekly sessions. Research shows people who attend all 36 sessions benefit the most. They have significantly better heart health outcomes, including a 31% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who attend one session. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehab at a Glance)  A health care provider can explain what the schedule may look like. People are also encouraged to continue the exercise, strength training, and heart-healthy habits they learned in cardiac rehabilitation at home once they complete the program.

Exercise is part of it, and like physical therapy, it supports recovery. But cardiac rehabilitation focuses on overall heart health. It also includes education about blood pressure and cholesterol management, support for healthy habits, and stress management. A care team works with the person to create a plan that fits their needs. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Many programs include support for managing stress because stress affects heart health. Clients can ask their health care provider about stress management support available through the program. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

No. CR is recommended after many heart health events, like a heart attack, not just surgery. A health care provider can determine whether it is recommended based on the person’s medical history. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program that helps people improve their heart health after a heart health event or procedure. It usually includes supervised exercise, education about heart-healthy habits like managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and support for managing stress. The goal is to help people recover and learn the skills they need to take care of their heart and reduce the risk of future heart problems. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Cardiac rehabilitation cannot change what has already happened, but it can help improve a person’s heart health going forward. Research shows it lowers the risk of another heart health event and supports long-term recovery. Many people also feel stronger and more confident in daily life. It does take effort, but many people find that the small steps they take in cardiac rehabilitation add up and help them feel better over time. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Cardiac rehabilitation is not just about living longer. It is also about feeling better and living healthier. Programs are tailored to age and ability, and a health care provider can help decide what is appropriate. (Source: Cardiac Rehab: Frequently Asked Questions)

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to meet people where they are. The program is supervised and tailored to the person’s condition, so activity starts gradually and safely. A health care provider can help decide when it is the right time to begin. (Source: Cardiac Rehab: Frequently Asked Questions)

Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for heart health. Cardiac rehabilitation supports heart-healthy changes like healthy eating, exercise, and managing stress. These are also activities that support staying tobacco-free, so they work well together. (Source: How Cardiac Rehabilitation Can Help Heal Your Heart)

Cardiac rehabilitation is commonly recommended after a heart attack. It is also recommended for people with stable angina, heart surgery such as bypass or valve procedures, stent placement or angioplasty, heart failure, and sometimes heart transplant or other serious heart conditions.(Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

A doctor or other health care provider can confirm whether cardiac rehabilitation is recommended based on the person’s health needs and medical history. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Yes. Cardiac rehabilitation usually requires a referral from a health care provider. If it has not been mentioned yet, it is okay to ask. (Source: Cardiac Rehab Change Package)

Medicare and many other insurers cover cardiac rehabilitation after certain heart conditions. Coverage can vary, so clients should check with their insurance plan and care team.(Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Clients can contact a local cardiac rehabilitation program to ask about payment options or financial assistance. Some programs offer copay assistance or other financial support. (Source: Cardiac Rehab Change Package)

Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended for people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, stent placement, heart failure, or certain other heart conditions. The best way to know if it is right for them is to ask their doctor or health care provider. That provider can confirm whether cardiac rehabilitation is recommended and provide a referral if needed. It can also help to mention that many insurance plans cover it, and local programs may offer payment options. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

A good first step is to ask a doctor if cardiac rehabilitation is appropriate and request a referral. The care team can then help set goals and create a plan. Clients can also visit the Million Hearts® website and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) website for more information and to find programs near them. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Many programs offer flexible times and home-based or virtual cardiac rehabilitation options for participation. If cardiac rehabilitation is appropriate, the care team can help find something that fits the person’s schedule. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Clients can ask about transportation services or home-based or virtual cardiac rehabilitation programs. (Source: Cardiac Rehab Change Package; Cardiac Rehab: Frequently Asked Questions)

Writing down questions ahead of time can help. A client might ask, “Would cardiac rehabilitation be appropriate for me?” If there is not enough time during the visit, they can call the office, speak with a nurse, or send a message through the patient portal. (Source: Cardiac Rehab Change Package)

A good first step is to ask a doctor if cardiac rehabilitation is appropriate and, if so, register for a program. Once enrolled, the client can work with the care team to set goals and create a plan. Attending sessions, following the plan, and taking medications as directed can help maximize the benefit. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)

Encourage the client to talk with their health care provider about whether cardiac rehabilitation is appropriate and to request a referral if it is recommended. Explain that the cardiac rehabilitation team will help set goals and create a personalized plan once the client enrolls. Share reliable information sources such as the Million Hearts® website or the AACVPR program directory. It can also help to mention flexible schedules, home-based or virtual options, and simple ways to bring the topic up during a medical appointment, such as writing down questions in advance. (Source: Million Hearts® Cardiac Rehabilitation)