What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential component in the recovery of people who have experienced heart events. Its goal is to restore patients' physical and mental abilities, allowing them to resume their routines, improve their tolerance for physical activity, and promote independence in performing daily activities such as housework, work, leisure, or other occupations without restrictions.
During cardiac rehabilitation, it is important to follow an exercise plan, individually designed to meet each patient's needs. This plan may include the following exercises:
What is a sternal protection cushion?
It is a support device designed for patients who have undergone open-heart surgery or other chest procedures. This device is essential in postoperative care to protect the breastbone while it heals.
How does it work and what is it for?
During the recovery period (which usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks for the bone to heal), any involuntary physical effort such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or getting out of bed generates a great internal force that expands the chest.
Learn how to use it correctly:
Sexuality during cardiac rehabilitation
Returning to sexual activity after a cardiac event—such as an acute myocardial infarction (death of heart tissue due to lack of blood flow)—often generates fear, doubts, and myths in both patients and their partners. However, sexuality is a vital component of a person's overall health and well-being.
Within rehabilitation programs, addressing this issue seeks to provide confidence, security, and clear guidelines based on medical evolution.
Is it safe to resume sexual activity?
If a person has recently suffered a heart attack, the risk of experiencing another event from having sex is very low.
This safety is primarily ensured when the patient is being treated and supervised within a regular program of appropriate cardiac exercise and rehabilitation, which helps the heart to gradually regain its physical resistance.
Practical recommendations for patients
To ensure a safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free return to sexual activity, the following institutional guidelines are suggested:
- Avoid emotional stress: It is advisable to practice sexual activity in a calm environment and with your regular partner. Extramarital affairs are best avoided, as they are often associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, or unforeseen situations that increase the strain on the heart.
- Recognize physical effort: Sexual activity represents a moderate physical exertion. If the patient is able to successfully complete the initial phases of their training in the rehabilitation gym without experiencing any alarming symptoms, their body is generally ready for this exertion.
- Ideal environment and conditions: It is suggested to choose times of day when the patient is rested, free from daily worries, and in a comfortable environment. It is preferable to avoid sexual relations immediately after large (heavy) meals or after consuming alcohol.
Learn more here:
- User information: Sexuality during cardiac rehabilitation
