Physiotherapy after cardiac failure

The patient benefits from becoming mobile early. Becoming mobile while in hospital is good medicine. Exercise is an important part of the self-care of a cardiac failure patient. When the acute phase has passed, the patient benefits from becoming more mobile; it speeds up their recovery.

Becoming mobile while in hospital is good medicine. Exercise is gradually increased as the rehabilitation progresses. It is important to find the courage and motivation for exercise while in hospital. In physiotherapy, it is important to advance at the patient’s own pace, respecting their strengths and challenges.

In the hospital, the physiotherapist assesses the patient’s performance, suggests appropriate exercise for their situation and gives them instructions on what to do after discharge.

The physiotherapist teaches the patient how to exercise safely, considering the rate of mobility impairment they suffer from, and helps the patient to recognise their own exertion tolerance. It is also essential that the patient recognises symptoms of worsening impairment, to be able to decrease their excretion levels in an acute situation and, in a stable situation, increase the exertion accordingly.

If the heart failure is a new situation for the patient, they should be instructed about self-care post convalescence. Even if the diagnosis of illness is not new, it is important for the self-care instructions to be repeated. Some patients need further guidance after hospital either at their own health centre or in Heart Hospital.