The goal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is to help patients with heart (cardiac) and/or lung (pulmonary) disease maximize their independence and quality of life through an exercise program designed to increase their aerobic capacity, or their ability to use oxygen when they exert themselves physically.

Our ultimate aim is to help patients resume as active a lifestyle as possible. Depending on the patient’s individual condition, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may also:

• Decrease morbidity, mortality and disability
• Help patients adjust physically and psychologically to their disease
• Reduce limitations related to symptomology
• Stabilize, slow or even reverse the progression of underlying disease
• Reduce risk factors to help minimize future cardiopulmonary complications and the progression of their disease process
• Provide education to improve patients' understanding of their condition
• Provide guidance on returning to work or school, when appropriate

At USC University Hospital, both inpatient and outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is provided by therapists who are certified in this specialty. This means that they not only are licensed physical therapists, but also have met rigorous national standards of education, experience and clinical expertise in the specialty of cardiopulmonary therapy.

Who benefits from cardiopulmonary therapy?

Patients will often undergo cardiopulmonary rehabilitation when they have had:

• Angina (chest pain)
• Angioplasty, atherectomy (removal of plaque from coronary arteries or vein grafts) or stent placement
• Heart attack
• Heart transplantation
• Lung transplantation
• Open heart surgery
• Thoracic (chest) surgery

Doctors also may recommend cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation to patients with:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• Congestive heart failure
• Cystic fibrosis (CF)
• Occupational/environmental lung disease
• Other lung diseases such as interstitial fibrosis and bronchiectasis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Respiratory failure

Comprehensive Diagnostic & Treatment Resources

An exercise program to improve a patient’s capacity for physical exertion is at the heart of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. After a thorough and careful evaluation of the patient’s physical condition and expectations, this exercise program is carefully tailored to meet realistic goals and is modified as the patient gains strength and endurance.

Because respiratory therapy (RT) often is another important component of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, we work closely with RT specialists to coordinate care.

Family involvement is integral to a successful cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. Because a patient’s health problems can affect family and friends, we emphasize their involvement during the rehabilitation process. Members of the clinical team also will teach family members how to help with care after discharge, or during outpatient therapy.

Common Terms Used in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

• Aerobic capacity – The amount of oxygen used during physical exertion.
• Arrhythmia – Abnormal heart rhythm.
• Cardiac rehabilitation – Refers to a coordinated multi-disciplinary intervention designed to optimize a patient’s physical, psychological and social functioning through comprehensive education, exercise and aggressive disease management.
• Cardiopulmonary – Relating to the heart (cardio) and lungs (pulmonary).
• Chronic – Long-lasting. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months or more.
• Dyspnea – Shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing.
• Exacerbation – An increase in the severity of symptoms.
• Functional – Generally, functional refers to something able to fulfill its purpose or function. In rehabilitation, functional exercise refers to exercise that helps a patient resume his or her regular activities and functions.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation – A multidisciplinary program of care for patients with chronic respiratory (breathing) impairment. It is individually tailored and designed to help the patient achieve optimal physical and social performance and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often will I have to exercise?
A: It depends on your individual condition and personal goals. But to improve and maintain aerobic capacity, regular and ongoing physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle The American Heart Association recommends some form of daily aerobic exercise.

Q: How much improvement will I see in my aerobic capacity?
A: Again, it depends on your individual condition. Even when individuals undergo identical training regimens, the effect of this training varies from person to person. The aim of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is to help you achieve your personal best.

Q: What can I do to make sure I get the most out of my training?
A: Setting realistic goals is an integral part of therapy. With each milestone you achieve, you can measure your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment that helps encourage you to reach your next goal.