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Cardiac Rehab: Examples of Phase I Exercises After a Heart Attack


Cardiac Rehab: Examples of Phase I Exercises After a Heart Attack

As your strength gradually increases, your recovery team (nurses and physical therapists) will encourage you to progress from basic postural exercises in your bed to walking in the halls and down stairs. Examples of exercises following a heart attack are shown below.

Initial inpatient daily activity

Step 1

  • Rest in bed until stable.
  • Sit up in bed with assistance.
  • Stand at bedside with assistance.
  • Perform self-care activities while seated.

Step 2

  • Sit up in bed independently.
  • Walk in room and to bathroom.
  • Perform self-care activities in bathroom.

Step 3

  • Sit and stand independently.
  • Walk in hall with assistance: 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.

Step 4

  • Walk in hall: 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
  • Walk down flight of stairs with assistance.

As you become stronger, walking in the halls should become an important part of your recovery. An example of a progressive program that may be used is shown below:

Increase in daily activity

Mode

Walking in hospital hall

Frequency

Early mobile (days 1 to 3)
  • 1 to 2 times a day (always warm up and cool down)
Later mobile (days 2 to 4)
  • 3 to 4 times a day

Intensity

Time

  • Intermittent bouts, 3 to 5 min.
  • Rest periods at your discretion, 1 to 2 min. shorter than exercise bout
  • To progress, initially increase to 10 to 15 min., then increase intensity.
  • Include stair climbing when your doctor says it's okay.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRichard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last RevisedOctober 5, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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