Page 41 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-397-5.41-47

The Importance of Cardiac

Rehabilitation After a Heart Attack:

Treatment of the Working and Elderly

Population

Alenka Cergol, Nina Zlatič
General Hospital Izola, Izola, Slovenia

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a critical component of secondary
prevention for patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction
and other cardiovascular events. It aims to restore the patient’s
functional capacity within social, familial, and work environments,
promote healthy lifestyle changes, and prevent disease progression. The
program emphasises the importance of a healthy lifestyle, medication
management, and controlling risk factors such as hypertension,
cholesterol levels, and diabetes. Patients are educated on the benefits
of the Mediterranean diet, smoking cessation, and regular physical
exercise. Our findings show that patients who complete the outpatient
CR program report significant improvements in physical fitness,
symptom reduction, and increased confidence in daily activities. These
positive outcomes are crucial for the long-term maintenance of a healthy
lifestyle and reducing the risk of future cardiovascular events. Continued
support and development of such programs are vital for enhancing
patient outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: rehabilitation, cardiology, heart attack, secondary prevention

Introduction
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Within
five years following an initial episode of myocardial infarction (MI), approxi-
mately 15 % of men and 22 % of women aged between 45 and 64, as well as 22
% of men and women over the age of 65 years, may experience another infarc-
tion, with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality (Menezes et al., 2014).
Older individuals over 65 years have a higher likelihood of complications dur-
ing MI and coronary revascularisation procedures compared to younger pop-
ulations, which consequently leads to longer hospital stays and higher risks in