25. Cardiac Rehab

Question 1

What are the beneficial outcomes of exercise during cardiac rehab?

Answer 1

• Slowed, stopped, or revered atherosclerosis
• Clinical events drop b/c clotting less frequently
• Patient can work harder, longer, w/ fewer symptoms

Question 2

What % of patients surviving an MI get referred to a cardiac rehab program?

Question 3

Explain the role of lipid management in cardiac rehab.

Answer 3

• Reduce lipid delivery (via diet) –> plaque doesn’t grow anymore
• Increase lipid removal (exercise, meds) –> plaque may even shrink

Question 4

What are the general “heart healthy” diet recommendations? What should a patient reduce? Increase?

Answer 4

REDUCE:
-saturated and trans fats
-dietary cholesterol
-sugars, calories, and salts IFF in excess
INCREASE:
-fruits and veggies
-fiber
-foods w/ antioxidants
-fish oils

Question 5

What do “statin” meds do?

Answer 5

• Reduce LDL and triglycerides
• Increase HDL
• Decrease coagulation (clotting)
• Decrease inflammation

Question 6

How do statins lower cholesterol?

Answer 6

Increasing liver LDL receptors that look for extra hepatic cholesterol

Question 7

What prescription meds are a part of cardiac rehab?

Answer 7

• Aspirin
• Lipid lowering agents
• Beta blockers
• ACE inhibitors, AT blockers

Question 8

What does aspirin do to aid in cardiac rehab?

Answer 8

Inhibits platelet formation –> reduces clotting events

Question 9

What do beta blockers do to aid in cardiac rehab?

Answer 9

Lower HR, contractility (kinda the same effect as exercise, but incomplete)

Question 10

What ACE inhibitors and AT blockers do to aid in cardiac rehab?

Answer 10

• Inhibits vasoconstriction

- Enhances vasodilation

Question 11

How does exercise affect coronary blood flow?

Answer 11

Increased coronary blood flow