Heart Health
A virtual approach to healing the heart
Cardiac rehab via a computer or smartphone enables you to get targeted support from the comfort of your home.
If you’ve had a heart attack or other serious cardiovascular issue, cardiac rehabilitation is hands down the best way to prevent future heart problems. This program — which teaches the fundamentals of heart-healthy habits coupled with supervised exercise — normally takes place in person during hourlong sessions several times a week over the course of several months. Cardiac rehab is recommended for many conditions (see "Am I eligible for cardiac rehab?") and can reduce your risk of dying of heart disease by nearly 25%.
Unfortunately, only about 20% of people who qualify for cardiac rehab actually participate in these programs. One of the main reasons is the hassle of traveling to the sessions, even in urban areas. And for people who live in rural areas, where rehab centers are few and far between, attending multiple weekly sessions simply isn’t feasible.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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