R
robert62
to my understanding cardiac rehab starts as soon after the surgery as the patient is able. it is monitored by the surgeon and the cardiologist. they take your resting herat rate (mine is 60) and start an exercise program based on that number. in my case thaey said any exercise that would raise it to 70 would be good, eighty would be allright, but nighty would be the upper limit. i started on a treadmill walking 1/2 mile about 2 miles per hour, and now after 4 weeks am up to full mile at 3.5 miles per hour. i also ride a machine called nu step which is like a sitting bicycle with many adjustmerns for speed and difficulty. i also do a sitting bike, and a machine i refer to as a slider which is because of the foot movement. all the while your heart rate is monitored and they take your blood pressure constantly. they reccomend doing this three times per week for about 5/6 weeks. if you want to get back to your old self (or better) this program is as must, especially if you do not exercise. i also have my own program walking, biking, and swimming that i do when not at cardia rehab. hope this explains the process. you are not going to get better sitting in front of a computer or tv.
