During the second full week of February, National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is observed. This week attempts to raise public awareness about the role of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing the damaging effects of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and claims approximately 18 million lives every year.

This group of diseases includes not only coronary heart disease but also rheumatic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation doesn’t erase the events that have occurred to the heart in the past, but it does make the future much brighter for people with heart problems.

It is an important way for doctors to help people recover and thrive after a cardiac event and to extend their lifespan and quality of life. That is why this holiday week is observed each year.

The History of National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week

This holiday week was founded by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) in 1985. It was established not just to honor the professionals who work in this field but to remind people that they can manage their heart disease with the adoption of a better lifestyle.

Cardiac rehabilitation combines nutrition, education, and exercise to help patients with heart conditions live their best life, and it has helped millions of people over the years.

Some Quick Facts About Cardiac Rehabilitation

Although we are not doctors and as such cannot recommend any medical treatments to anyone, we do know a few things about cardiac rehabilitation that we would like to share with everyone. We found out the following facts while doing research for National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week and think most people will find them helpful.

Let us state once again that the following points DO NOT constitute medical advice and are not designed to be taken as such. With that legal formality out of the way, let us draw your attention to the following list.

• Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised medical program that includes exercise, education about healthy lifestyles, and counseling.
• Anyone with a heart problem can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.
• Cardiac rehabilitation strengthens the heart and body, relieves symptoms of heart problems such as chest pain, and helps patients build healthier habits.
• Cardiac rehabilitation also improves patients’ moods, relieves stress, and increases energy levels in patients.

Observing National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week

This holiday can be observed by people paying more attention to the work that professionals in cardiac rehabilitation do, by donating to organizations dedicated to the research and treatment of heart disease, or by adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle for themselves. Everyone can also spread the word about this holiday by using the hashtag #CardiacRehabilitationWeek online.