A program to strengthen the heart is vital in preventing another heart attack.
Topeka (WIBW) - Once you'd had a heart attack, you're at greater risk for another. Strengthening your heart can help guard against a repeat.
A cardiac rehab program can take you through the steps to getting your heart, and your lifestyle, back in shape.
Kelly Barnes, an exercise physiologist with Topeka's Cotton-O'Neil Clinic, says cardiac rehab is a program for those who've gone through a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or heart surgery.
A key component of cardiac rehab is exercise.
"The heart is a muscle and it needs to be worked just like the rest of the body," Barnes said. "It needs to gain strength and endurance. Exercise is the way to do that."
Beyond exercise, a rehab program can pull patients to other lifestyle changes with educational clases. Barnes says the Cotton-O'Neil program includes classes on topics such as stress management; changing the diet to reduce fat, cholesterol and sodium; risk factors; and how medications affect the body and interact with each other.
Patients might take part in a program three times a week, for six to 12 weeks depending on insurance. It's time patients can use to steer toward the ultimate goal - a second chance at an increased quality of life.
Learn more:
The Cotton-O'nNeil Heart Center has free cardiac education sessions at 9-45 and 1-15 each Wednesday. Upcoming topics:
Feb. 4 - Risk factors
Feb. 11 - Medications
American Heart Assoc. Heart Gala
6 pm
Saturday, February 20th
TIckets: $150/each Sponsor a table of 10 for $1500
Call 785-228-3435
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