Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, a staggering fact that is increasingly hard to ignore and can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. February is American Heart Month—a time to recognize the importance of taking care of your heart.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the heart, including:

• Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease
• Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
• Congenital heart defects, which are heart conditions you're born with
• Diseases of the heart muscle
• Heart valve disease

These conditions can arise from several factors, with atherosclerosis—the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries—being the most common cause of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking.

How Heart Disease Affects Your Body

Heart disease typically develops over time, but it can sometimes occur suddenly. This condition can lead to various problems due to reduced oxygen supply, as plaque builds up and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. When blood flow decreases, it can result in symptoms such as chest pain, tightness, or pressure, and you may experience shortness of breath. If a blockage becomes severe or a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a heart attack or stroke, leading to irreversible damage to heart tissue or the brain. A stroke can cause paralysis, loss of speech, cognitive impairment, and difficulty swallowing, while a heart attack may result in permanent heart muscle damage, reduced cardiac function, and increased risk of heart failure.

When to Seek Treatment

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort, especially if it lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
• Shortness of breath that occurs with or without chest discomfort
• Severe fatigue or weakness that is unusual for you
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if accompanied by other symptoms
• Swelling in your feet or ankles that is sudden or unexplained

If you notice these symptoms, especially if they are severe or sudden, don’t hesitate to call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at Reunion

If you or a loved one is in need of support during rehabilitation, you are not alone; our interdisciplinary teams are here to guide you on your recovery journey.

Why Choose Us?

When you enter a Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital, our team conducts a comprehensive assessment to identify your physical challenges, cognitive needs, and personal goals. Your dedicated recovery team will then devise a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Our approach for every patient includes weekly meetings with your recovery team to evaluate and, if necessary, adjust your treatment plans. We emphasize intensive rehabilitation that focuses on practical skills, such as cooking, dressing, grooming, self-feeding, safety, and leisure activities, to ensure long-lasting benefits from your inpatient rehabilitation.

You can expect to participate in therapy sessions throughout the day—15 hours a week—with ample time allocated for rest, recharge, and relaxation, all essential for optimal recovery.

The American Heart Association recommends choosing inpatient rehabilitation hospitals (IRFs) over skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) whenever possible. Research demonstrates the value of intensive, multidisciplinary treatment, which only IRFs like Reunion can provide.

During Treatment

If you choose to recover at Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital, our team will offer you three types of therapy: physical, occupational, and speech therapy. You will begin 60- to 90-minute therapy sessions the day after admission, utilizing evidence-based techniques to improve your speaking and mobility.

Physical Therapy: During recovery, physical therapy focuses on increasing your range of motion, strength, and balance while reducing muscle spasms and pain. Our therapists use a pulley system to help you strengthen your upper body and improve your range of motion, along with the Omni Cycle—a stationary bike with motor-assist technology—to enhance leg strength. Functional electrical stimulation therapy (FES) uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves and retrain weak or paralyzed muscles.

Occupational Therapy: In occupational therapy, you will learn how to complete specific tasks to enhance your independence. Activities may include practicing getting up from a chair, walking, or climbing stairs to condition your muscles for daily living. You may also strengthen your arm muscles by reaching for items. Occupational therapy exercises at Reunion often include gait training on various surfaces using a partially weight-bearing treadmill (Biodex NxStep Unweighing System) and therapeutic stairs.

Speech Therapy: Patients can experience difficulties with speaking, reading, writing, and swallowing. If you or a loved one struggles with communication, Reunion provides cognitive therapy activities, such as card matching and memory or word-recall games. Patients may also benefit from Synchrony—an electrical stimulation treatment that aids muscle function and tone in the tongue and lips.

Recovering After a Cardiac Event

After completing your stay at a Reunion Hospital, your recovery journey continues. Individuals who have experienced a cardiac event have a 10-20% chance of having another. It is essential to extend your recovery beyond the walls of Reunion by implementing the teachings and exercises provided. Continuing to educate yourself and your family is crucial for rehabilitating your independence and self-confidence.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Rehospitalization?

Reducing your risk of heart disease is achievable, and you can incorporate these changes into your everyday life. Taking small steps towards better health can lead to significant positive outcomes for a healthier future.

1. Quit Smoking

It's well-known that smoking negatively impacts your health, particularly your heart and blood vessels. Smoking increases your risk of atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries supplying blood to your organs, head, and limbs. These conditions heighten your risk for coronary heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

2. Get Moving: Walking

A sedentary or inactive lifestyle is one of the top five risk factors for heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) attributes an estimated 250,000 deaths each year to a lack of exercise. The AHA recommends that Americans engage in 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week (or a total of 150 minutes) to reduce their risk of heart disease.

3. Adjust Your Nutrition

Excess weight increases your risk of heart disease. Following a healthy, balanced diet can significantly impact your health. Portion control is just as important as food choice. Fruits and vegetables should be staples in your diet, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grains also contribute to a balanced diet, and foods high in fiber are crucial for controlling blood pressure. The AHA recommends that women consume 25 grams of fiber a day and men consume 38 grams; however, many Americans do not meet these fiber intake recommendations. Be mindful of saturated fats; they can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of coronary artery disease. Opting for lean meats and reducing butter intake can help; the AHA advises keeping saturated fats to 10% of your daily caloric intake.

4. Decrease Your Salt Intake
Avoid adding salt to your meals, as sodium significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease risk. The AHA recommends an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Instead of salt, use your favorite seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance flavor. Techniques such as grilling, braising, or searing your proteins and vegetables can also add depth to your dishes. When boiling pasta, you can skip the common practice of salting the water, and it will still taste delicious while promoting better heart health.

5. Manage Stress

Although the exact connection between stress and heart disease is not fully understood, it is known that managing stress can help many patients change behaviors that contribute to heart disease, such as smoking and lack of physical activity. According to studies published in the AHA journal, more than 400 adults with normal blood pressure but high levels of stress hormones were more likely to develop high blood pressure over the next 6 to 7 years. This highlights the importance of the mind-body connection; mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Finding heart-healthy ways to cope with stress—such as exercise, journaling, or meditation—may help you reduce habits that negatively impact your cardiovascular health.

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing at Reunion: We Offer Support Groups

At Reunion, we believe in the power of community and understand the significant impact a heart attack or stroke can have on you and your loved ones. Our compassionate team is here to support you in navigating the challenges you may encounter. Each Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital offers stroke support groups approved by the American Stroke Association. These groups provide valuable insights, shared experiences, and emotional and educational support. They are open to you, your family members, and caregivers.

Visit your local Reunion Facebook page to learn more.

• Reunion Denver
• Reunion Inverness
• Reunion Phoenix
• Reunion Peoria
• Reunion Plano
• Reunion Arlington
• Reunion Jacksonville

Where you choose to recover matters—not only because of the level of care but also due to the passionate individuals behind it. At Reunion, our goal is to empower you with renewed self-confidence and provide you with the tools needed to return to your community with as much independence as possible.