Put your heart in the right place

Cardiac rehabilitation can speed recovery from heart-related surgery and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

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Cardiac rehab programs are designed for patients who have recovered from a recent heart attack or heart failure, or who have undergone surgery for a heart valve, coronary artery bypass, pacemaker, or stent. They are also helpful for people diagnosed as having a high risk for cardiovascular disease.

"Patients often do well in the programs, and they definitely can improve recovery and future heart health," says Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, a cardiologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "Yet, many providers don't offer rehab, and most patients don't know about it."