This is for everyone, but more so for those folks with a weak heart. Don’t fret if you’re not a science genius.
This article is super easy to understand. You’ll learn about an underused fix for a troubled heart, known as “heart rehab.”
The Scoop on Heart Rehab
Nearly ten years ago, the government expanded a program known as “Medicare.” It now pays for a treatment called heart rehab for some people with weak hearts.
Doctors think it’s a great idea. But, according to a new study, not everyone who needs it is getting it.
Here’s the issue: Heart rehab is for folks whose hearts aren’t pumping as well as they should. Sadly, only 1 in 4 of these people were told about heart rehab after a hospital visit.
Even worse, only about 1 in 25 of those folks ended up going to rehab. This was all published in a heart health magazine recently.
Things are Getting Better, Kinda
Now, there is some good news. More people are being told about heart rehab. In 2010, only 8% were told about it, but by 2018, that number jumped to 32%. But there’s still a problem. Some folks aren’t getting the memo.
Especially those who are older, African American, have other health problems or live in far-off places.
Why Heart Rehab is a Big Deal
Heart rehab is a super helpful program led by doctors. It helps people exercise better and learn how to live healthier.
Earlier studies showed that it can help people feel better, do more, and even stay out of the hospital or avoid passing away.
So, missing out on heart rehab can be a big deal, says Dr. Ambarish Pandey, a heart doctor and the leader of the study.
Breaking Down Barriers
The people who seem to miss out on heart rehab the most are often those who need it the most. Older people are seen as too weak, and people with other health problems are thought to be unable to exercise.
Also, African American patients are often seen as less likely to attend due to issues like transportation or costs. But Dr. Pandey says these are just assumptions, and they need to be tackled.
Making Heart Rehab Accessible
In 2014, the government started paying for heart rehab for more people, but only if they’d been out of the hospital for six weeks.
The study looked at over 8,000 patients who were hospitalized between 2010 and 2020. About 1 in 4 were told about heart rehab, but only 4% of those went to rehab, for about seven sessions on average.
A full rehab program is usually 36 sessions. Those who did go to rehab were 16% less likely to pass away within a year.
Moving Forward
More people have weak hearts now than before. They often end up in the hospital multiple times.
Both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology think heart rehab should be part of care after leaving the hospital.
That’s why they need to arrange heart rehab quickly after a hospital visit, says Steven Keteyian, Ph.D., a heart doctor from Detroit.
Ideas to Help More People Get to Heart Rehab
One way to make heart rehab more available is through telehealth. It’s like video-calling with your doctor. This could help people who live far from a clinic or have trouble getting around.
Doctors and their teams also need to talk more with patients. They need to understand what their patients need and help them manage their health better.
For instance, if getting to the clinic is tough, the patient could do heart rehab at home sometimes.
The Final Heartbeat
If you or someone you know has a weak heart and hasn’t been told about heart rehab, ask your doctor. All patients should have this option, says Dr. Pandey. After all, your heart is in your hands.
If you care about heart failure, please read studies about diabetes drugs that could revolutionize heart failure treatment, and this drug can be a low-cost heart failure treatment
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that exercise in middle age reversed worrisome heart failure, and results showing this drug combo can cut the risk of stroke and heart attack by half.
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