CARDIAC REHABILITATION AS A DEDICATED CLINICAL SERVICE: RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND REMAINING CHALLENGES

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is a concept easy to understand but difficult to implement in practice. Pillars of cardiovascular health maintenance include smoking cessation or avoidance, a prudent diet, weight management, regular exercise, stress management, and regular blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks. Our primary objective in AFIC & NIHD is to provide a high- touch compassionate care to our patients. Our department consists of a Cardiologist, Clinical Dietitian, Psychologist, Physiotherapist and a Research Officer who are working to educate and counsel our cardiac patients regarding healthy lifestyle in wards and outdoor clinics. Despite robust evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness, uptake of cardiac rehabilitation is not as good due to several factors, including physicians’ reluctance to refer some patients, psychological wellbeing, geographical location, access to transport, and a dislike of group-based rehabilitation sessions. In countries like Pakistan treatment options are expensive and limited and most of the population does not have access to the tertiary care hospitals. It would therefore be more logical to concentrate on prevention of diseases