Summary
Participation in cardiac rehabilitation after heart surgery improves HRV and autonomic function. Prehabilitation before surgery may also enhance resilience and reduce complications.
Methods
AHA/AACVPR scientific statement review of cardiac rehab
Key Findings
- Cardiac rehab increases exercise capacity and HRV
- Quality of life improvements documented
- Prehabilitation reduces postoperative complications
- Virtual/remote delivery expanding access
- Minimal risk of adverse effects
Limitations
Participation rates declining, access varies
What This Means for You
If you've had heart surgery, cardiac rehabilitation can help restore autonomic function. Even pre-surgical exercise (prehabilitation) may improve outcomes. Ask your doctor about available programs.
Source
Read the original paper in Circulation ↗
Added to HRV Zone: 2025-01-10