PRELIMS: Cardiac Rehabilitation Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the goal of cardiac rehabilitation?
To improve cardiovascular health after a heart attack, surgery, or other heart conditions through exercise, education, and lifestyle changes.
What are the phases of cardiac rehabilitation?
Phase I (Inpatient Rehab) – Begins in the hospital with monitored activity and education.
Phase II (Outpatient Rehab) – Supervised exercise and risk factor modification.
Phase III (Maintenance Program) – Independent lifestyle changes and ongoing exercise.
What is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?
A circulatory disorder that causes narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the limbs.
What is the difference between PAD and PVD?
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): A type of PVD that affects arteries, causing reduced oxygen supply.
PVD: Can affect both arteries and veins, leading to poor circulation.
What are common symptoms of PAD?
- Intermittent claudication (pain when walking)
Numbness or weakness in legs
Cold feet or legs
Non-healing wounds on toes or feet
What are the risk factors for cardiac disease and PVD?
- Smoking
Hypertension
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Sedentary lifestyle
What is the primary exercise prescription for PVD patients?
- Supervised walking programs with intermittent rest
Gradual progression in intensity and duration
Monitoring for claudication pain
What are the benefits of exercise for PVD patients?
- Increased blood circulation
Reduced pain and improved walking ability
Lower cardiovascular risk factors
What are the contraindications for exercise in cardiac rehab?
- Unstable angina
Severe hypertension
Uncontrolled arrhythmias
Acute heart failure
What is the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale?
A scale (6-20) used to measure exercise intensity based on how hard a patient feels they are working.
Why is warm-up and cool-down important in cardiac rehab?
It helps prevent abnormal heart rhythms, reduces strain on the heart, and improves circulation.
What medications are commonly used for PVD and cardiac rehab?
- Antiplatelets (Aspirin, Clopidogrel) – Reduce blood clot risk
Statins – Lower cholesterol
Beta-blockers – Control heart rate and blood pressure
ACE inhibitors – Improve blood flow
What lifestyle modifications help manage cardiac and PVD conditions?
- Smoking cessation
Healthy diet (low sodium, low fat)
Regular exercise
Stress management
What are signs of exercise intolerance in cardiac rehab?
- Dizziness
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Excessive fatigue
How can diabetes affect PVD?
High blood sugar damages blood vessels, worsening circulation problems and increasing the risk of non-healing wounds.
What is intermittent claudication, and how is it treated?
Pain in the legs during activity due to poor circulation, treated with exercise therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
What is a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)?
A test to measure functional capacity by assessing how far a patient can walk in six minutes.
What is the role of angioplasty in PVD treatment?
A procedure that opens narrowed arteries to improve blood flow using a balloon or stent.
What are key nutritional recommendations for cardiac and PVD patients?
- Increase fiber intake
Reduce saturated fats
Limit sodium
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Why is smoking cessation critical for cardiac and PVD patients?
Smoking damages blood vessels, increases clot formation, and worsens circulation.
What is the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), and why is it important?
A test that compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
What ABI values indicate PAD severity?
Normal: 1.0 - 1.4
Mild PAD: 0.8 - 0.9
Moderate PAD: 0.5 - 0.79
Severe PAD: < 0.5
What is the primary cause of PVD?
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities.
How does hypertension (high blood pressure) contribute to PVD and heart disease?
It damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of arterial narrowing and plaque buildup.
