Cardiac Safety

For cardiac patients, physical activity can lead to improved fitness and can also be a risk to their health. It is important for patients to do regular physical activity, but there is always the risk of putting too much stress on a diseased heart, especially during the summer months. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a safe way to start an exercise program after an acute cardiac event.

With the warmer weather approaching, please review with your cardiac patients:

• How much physical activity they should engage in;
• Which liquids are best and how much they can safely drink;
• The use of alcohol;
• Exposure to the sun, especially if they are on medications that would increase photosensitivity;
• The use of sunscreens; and
• Surviving a heat wave.