Exercise Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Exercise is integral part of rehabilitation programme. It is necessary for optimal physical functioning and psychological wellbeing. It has a direct positive effect on maximal oxygen capacity increasing cardiac output, decreasing blood lipids, decreasing blood pressure, increasing blood flow through the coronary arteries, increasing muscle mass flexibility, improving psychological state and assisting weight loss and control. A regular schedule of moderate exercise even after many years of sedentary living is beneficial. One method used to identify levels of physical activities is through metabolic equivalent (MET) units. 1 MET is the amount of oxygen needed by the body at rest -3.5 ml of oxygen per kilogram per minute. In the hospital, the activity level is gradually increased so that time of discharge the patient can tolerate moderate energy activities of 3–5 MET.