Page 45 - 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

Research has shown greater efficacy and progress with interval training
on a cycle ergometer (Mampuya, 2012). Current guidelines recommend dy-
namic aerobic exercise, as it effectively and safely strengthens the heart and
blood vessels. Larger muscle groups are gradually activated and the exercise is
performed for 30 minutes or longer, with heart rate ranging from 50 to 90 % of
maximum heart rate, or until the patient can no longer speak five words in a
row without becoming breathless (Vižintin Cuderman, 2019).
At SBI, we also use this form of exercise. Participants cycle for 180 to 240
seconds at higher intensity (80‒90 % maximum heart rate) and 120 seconds at
lower intensity (50‒60 % heart rate), for a total of 45 minutes. An alternative is
a combination of 20 minutes of interval training and 20 minutes of continu-
ous exercise on a treadmill. Here, the incline and walking speed can be set for
the patient and remain unchanged. The patient’s progress is continuously mon-
itored throughout rehabilitation, and the exercise load is adjusted individually.
As part of cardiac rehabilitation, there are three different lectures for patients, 45
including topics such as Healthy Eating by a dietitian, Coronary Disease by a
specialist doctor, and Physical Exercise by a physiotherapist.

Conclusions
An important emphasis is placed on secondary prevention to prevent or slow
the progression of cardiovascular complications. This includes the following
measures: adopting a healthy lifestyle, pharmacological treatment, and man-
aging risk factors. Essential steps include quitting smoking and alcohol con- the importance of cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack ...
sumption, following a Mediterranean diet, maintaining a healthy body weight,
and engaging in regular physical exercise. Risk factor management involves
controlling blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, lowering LDL cholesterol to
less than 1.8 mmol/L, and treating diabetes. Pharmacological treatment focus-
es on the introduction and adjustment of medications to prevent blood clots,
manage heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure, and the progression of ath-
erosclerosis (Jug, 2017).
CR after a heart attack is crucial for the working population. Research
shows that CR is an effective secondary prevention approach (Fras, 2017 and
Jug, 2017). We must not overlook the psychosocial aspect, as anxiety with pan-
ic attacks (present in 60 % of people within six months post-heart attack) and
depression (20 %) are common. Additionally, mood disorders and stress re-
sponses are frequently observed as these events represent a turning point for
patients. Group exercises provide support for patients with similar life experi-
ences, encouraging each other in recovery. Empowering patients to successful-
ly cope with their illness and helping them achieve as much independence as
possible is essential (Jug, 2017).
Studies confirm that cardiac rehabilitation contributes to improved phys-
ical fitness and significantly enhances the psychosocial aspects of quality of
life. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes increase life satisfaction and reduce