Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Sitha Phongphibool, whose areas of expertise include cardiac rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and sports science and exercise.

 

Our department also comprises a team of knowledgeable medical professionals specializing in rehabilitation and healthcare through exercise. We provide exercise programs and inform our patients on matters related to heart and lung disease.

 

• Our department is equipped with modern exercise equipment that meets international standards
• We also conduct physical fitness tests to assess our patients' capabilities and develop appropriate exercise plans
• We use medical devices to monitor any abnormalities that may occur during exercise to ensure the safety of our patient

 

What are the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and why is it necessary to undergo cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential and crucial process that helps patients with heart conditions. It's especially beneficial for those who have received balloon angioplasty and stent placement, undergone coronary artery bypass surgery, or have underlying conditions such as lung disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By participating in cardiac rehabilitation, patients can alleviate anxiety, regain confidence, and resume their daily activities and exercise routines. This leads to an improved quality of life and empowers patients to pursue their heart's desires.

 

How does the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department contribute to improving heart health?

The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department creates personalized exercise plans for each patient, which is a crucial part of their recovery process. These exercises help improve physical and mental health and alleviate any worries, so that the patient can resume their normal routines and regularly exercise to manage and control the symptoms. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of future disease recurrence. Additionally, the department provides physical fitness testing services and advice for athletes who want to plan their training for competition and for individuals of all ages who want to exercise safely and effectively to maintain good health.

 

Who should undergo cardiac rehabilitation?

Patients with heart diseases :

• Patients with ischemic heart disease or who have had a heart catheterization (such as balloon angioplasty and stent insertion)
• Patients who have undergone heart surgery (such as bypass surgery)
• Patients with cardiac arrhythmias
• Patients with a pacemaker
• Patients with a pacemaker who want to improve their heart and lung functions
• Patients with congenital disease (such as lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes)
• Athletes who want to plan their training for competitions
• Individuals who are interested in taking care of their health by exercising properly and safely.

 

What are the steps of cardiac rehabilitation?

At the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department of Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, our team of doctors and specialists is dedicated to providing wholehearted care with the aid of modern equipment. We follow a simple step-by-step process to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

 

• Upon arrival at Building 3, Floor 10 of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department, you will be greeted by a staff member at the service counter who will assist you in registering for services before your session.
• Next, the staff will measure your vital signs, which includes checking your heart rate, blood pressure, and the oxygen level in your blood. They will also attach an ECG device to check your resting heart rhythm and to see if there are any abnormalities or any signs of reduced blood flow to the heart and damage to the heart muscle. This is done to prevent any potential risks or dangers.
• Doctors and specialists will then perform your body composition analysis to check the muscle-fat ratio and other related components.
• A staff member will assist with walking as a warm-up to prepare the body for the exercise program.
• Then, exercising will begin with close supervision from the staff and experts. Throughout the exercise, the heart rate, blood pressure, and body response will be continuously monitored to ensure they are at appropriate levels.

 

They will also inquire about symptoms, and assess physical fitness to set exercise goals to appropriately restore body composition. An exercise program will be planned and designed, with information on which equipment to use and how long each exercise should last. Our team will also track and evaluate individual outcomes to adjust the exercise program if needed.

 

During the rehabilitation period, data will be collected and shared with doctors to monitor and evaluate the improvement of heart and lung function after each session. This information will be used by the doctor to adjust the treatment plan or medication. It will also help patients to have a better quality of life and enable them to perform activities properly and without danger.

 

Why should I undergo cardiac rehabilitation at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital?

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is an excellent facility that specializes in cardiac rehabilitation and care to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The department is staffed with knowledgeable, skilled medical personnel who specialize in rehabilitation and can inform patients about heart and lung disease. Additionally, the department is fully equipped with modern exercise equipment, physical fitness tests, and medical tools to monitor abnormalities and ensure exercise and physical fitness tests meet international standards, such as :

 

1. Telemetry cardiac rehab management system

Telemetry cardiac rehab management system enables real-time tracking of heart rate during exercise as part of the rehabilitation program. This system ensures safety and optimal performance while exercising under the close supervision of a specialist. It also collects, analyzes, and summarizes exercise data, which is used to monitor the progression of symptoms and inform patient treatment.

 

2. ECG telemetry transmitter

The ECG telemetry transmitter is a device used for the detection, examination, and monitoring of heart abnormalities during exercise. It enables the healthcare team to monitor and track any abnormalities that may occur while exercising by continuously monitoring your heart's rhythm and electrical activity. 

 

3. Leg ergometer + BP + spO2

The leg ergometer, which is connected to the cardiac rehab management system, is a device used for patient exercise. It controls the resistance and the intensity of the workout while the patient pedals. The leg ergometer also measures and stores information on the patient's blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels to ensure their safety and assess their response to exercise. The exercise bike helps strengthen the leg muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness, leading to an overall improvement in the patient's daily life.

 

4. Arm ergometer + BP + spO2

The arm ergometer, which is connected to the cardiac rehab management system, is a device used for patient exercise. It controls the resistance and the intensity of the workout while the patient exercises. The arm ergometer also measures and stores information on the patient's blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels to ensure their safety and assess their response to exercise. The arm bike strengthens the muscles in the arms, shoulders, chest, back, and core, improving muscular endurance and improving cardiovascular fitness. These improvements can benefit the patient's daily life.   

 

5. Treadmill

A treadmill is an exercise machine that allows patients to walk or run on a track. It improves patients' endurance and enhances various bodily functions, including blood circulation and muscle strength, as well as balance and mobility. Additionally, it helps to improve the patient's cardiovascular fitness.

 

6. Hoist fitness multi-station gym

The hoist fitness multi-station gym is an accessory that can be used to build muscle strength. Patients can utilize this device to work on various muscle groups and perform exercises prescribed to strengthen and develop different muscles according to their preferences.

 

7. Rowing machine

The rowing machine is a type of exercise equipment that enables patients to build muscle strength. It requires the use of both the arms and legs to exercise simultaneously. The body movements involved in rowing include both pulling with the arms and pushing with the legs, allowing for the simultaneous exercise of both the upper and lower body muscles.

 

8. Nustep T4R recumbent

The Nustep T4R recumbent is a low-impact exercise machine suitable for individuals who are elderly, overweight, or with poor balance. It requires the user to move both their arms and legs simultaneously, helping to strengthen muscles in those areas. Additionally, it promotes cardiovascular fitness and aids in rehabilitation.

 

9. Impetus air bike

The Impetus air bike is a low-impact exercise bike that is suitable for individuals who are elderly, overweight, or with poor balance. Users must move both their arms and legs simultaneously, which helps build strength in these muscle groups while also promoting cardiovascular fitness.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, led by Dr. Sitha Phongphibool, offers personalized exercise programs, modern equipment, and expert monitoring to improve heart health post-surgery or for managing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.