Why women need to sweat: the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation.
The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have long been documented in the literature, but these programs have been underutilized within the health care arena, particularly by women and the elderly. The goals of CR are to improve the physiologic and psychosocial condition of the patient. Understanding the benefits of an effective CR program will help critical care nurses and physicians promote and refer patients who have cardiovascular disease to this life-changing heart healthy program. This article identifies the components and benefits of a successful CR program.
Barron
Lori
L
Cardiac Rehabilitation, Deaconess Hospital, 415 West Columbia Street, Evansville, IN 47710, USA. lori_barron@deaconess.com
Schnautz
Lynn Smith
LS
D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D008019:Life Style; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016387:Women's Health