Intensive cardiac rehab involves in-person visits, usually a few times a week. The exact length of your ICR program will depend on your specific condition, but a typical program usually lasts about 12 weeks.

ICR has three main parts:

• Exercise: During intensive cardiac rehabilitation, you will be focusing on exercising and training to help get your circulatory system working. The focus of this portion of intensive cardiac rehab will be to improve your heart health and keep it pumping strong for you.
• Education: Education will also be a key part of cardiac rehab so you can learn how to manage risk factors and prevent future heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. You’ll learn about eating healthy, managing your medications, controlling your blood pressure and other ways to protect your heart health.
• Counseling: This part of your ICR program helps you identify and manage everyday sources of stress that hurt your heart.

When you join an ICR program, you’ll get a whole team of people working on your behalf. Cardiac rehab is designed to be done with certified doctors, nurses, trainers and other medical personnel around you. These people are there to help you get back to your life and be stronger and better for the future.

You will also have a dietitian in your corner. He or she will help you make heart-healthy choices to fuel your body properly and keep you energized so you can focus on what matters to you.

What Are the Benefits of Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Completing a cardiac rehab program can help you live a longer, healthier life. With intensive cardiac rehab, you can:

• Recover and get stronger.
• Lower your risk of heart disease.
• Get your body moving and make everyday activities easier.
• Learn healthier lifestyle habits, such as eating healthy and exercising more.
• Reduce your stress with stress management techniques.
• Improve your mental outlook and emotional well-being.