Cardiac Rehab 101- Understanding Heart Disease Through the Lens of Occupational and Physical Therapists

Course overview

Heart disease encompasses various conditions that affect the heart, with coronary artery disease being the most prevalent. Approximately 5% of adults have been diagnosed with this condition, and heart disease accounts for 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States. As a health professional, it is essential to understand the key risk factors associated with heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking. This knowledge will enable you to help your patients take steps to avoid heart disease. This course provides an overview of the roles of occupational and physical therapists in cardiac rehabilitation. It covers important diagnoses, terminology, and the necessary tools to assist patients in safely regaining their security and confidence while performing daily activities after experiencing events such as heart attacks or surgery, while managing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.