Rehabilitation for the heart: your fresh start after a cardiac event

The rehabilitation of your heart after a drastic event such as a heart attack is more than just physical recovery - it is the beginning of a new, more conscious phase of life. The cardiologic Rehabilitation for the heart is a structured program that helps you regain confidence in your body, safely rebuild your performance and set the course for a long and healthy future. At our practice in Düsseldorf, we see ourselves as your long-term partner on this journey and accompany you with medical expertise and personal attention.

Cardiac rehabilitation: why it is the most important step after the clinic

After acute treatment of a cardiac event in hospital, many patients feel uncertain and full of questions. This is exactly where the Rehabilitation for the heart on. It is not an optional add-on, but a scientifically proven, essential part of the therapy that has been shown to improve the prognosis.

Successful cardiac rehab leads to:

• A higher life expectancy: The risk of dying in the years following the event is significantly reduced.
• A better quality of life: They become more resilient and active again and can participate in social life.
• Fewer hospital stays: The risk of recurrent heart attacks and other complications is reduced.
• More self-confidence and less fear: You learn to interpret your body's signals correctly and know what you can trust yourself to do.

The Rehabilitation of your heart is the best insurance you can take out for your future.

The four building blocks of your successful cardiac rehabilitation

A modern Rehabilitation for the heart is a holistic concept based on four interlocking pillars. It aims to strengthen not only the body, but the whole person.

1. Movement therapy: Under medical supervision and the guidance of specialized therapists, you will begin an individually adapted training programme. You will learn how to exercise your heart safely and gradually increase your stamina.
2. Knowledge transfer (education): In training courses, you will learn everything you need to know about your condition, how your medication works, a heart-healthy diet and how to deal with risk factors. Knowledge creates safety.
3. Risk factor management: Together with your doctor, you work actively to combat the causes that led to your heart event. This includes optimizing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and helping you to stop smoking.
4. Mental strength and stress management: A heart event is also a psychological burden. Rehabilitation helps you to reduce anxiety, deal with stress and look positively to the future again.

Cardiac rehabilitation - Back to exercise: exercising safely in the cardiac group

After the initial rehabilitation phase in a clinic, participation in an outpatient heart group is the gold standard for long-term rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of your heart. In a heart group, you train together with other affected people under the supervision of a specially trained exercise instructor and a supervising doctor.

The benefits are immense: you train in a safe, medically supervised environment, benefit from interacting with like-minded people and enjoy exercising together. As your supervising cardiologist, Dr. Raphael Bruno will carry out a stress test in advance to determine your individual training zones and ensure that you train in the right group for you.

Cardiac rehabilitation - Live better than before: managing risks

A heart event is a turning point, but also a great opportunity. The Rehabilitation for the heart gives you the tools to live healthier after the event than ever before. It helps you to overcome insecurities and regain control of your life.

From worry to safety: how rehab helps

The role of your cardiologist in the long-term rehabilitation of your heart

After completion of the inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program (Phase II), lifelong follow-up care (Phase III) begins. Here, your cardiologist in private practice is your most important medical partner. In our practice in Düsseldorf, Dr. Raphael Bruno takes on this crucial role in the Rehabilitation of your heart. We are your long-term coach who regularly reviews your state of health, adjusts your medication, monitors your progress and continuously supports you in achieving and maintaining your health goals.

Frequently asked questions about cardiac rehabilitation

Here you will find answers to common questions that patients ask after a cardiac event.

Will I be as fit as before after rehab?

The aim of the Rehabilitation for the heart is to make you as resilient as possible again. Many patients even achieve a higher level of fitness than before their heart event thanks to targeted training and lifestyle changes. However, the individual prognosis depends on the severity of the original heart disease.

How long will it be before I am allowed to drive again?

The recommendations for this are individual. After an uncomplicated heart attack, you can often be fit to drive again after just one week, after a bypass operation it usually takes 4-6 weeks due to the healing of the wound on the sternum. Your doctor will give you a clear and safe recommendation after an examination.

My partner is very worried and treats me like a raw egg. How can he help?

The involvement of relatives is an important part of the Rehabilitation for the heart. It is helpful if your partner accompanies you to medical appointments to get first-hand information. The best support is to motivate you to lead a healthy lifestyle (e.g. going for a walk together or cooking healthy meals), but at the same time to give you confidence in your own resilience.

Is rehab just sport or am I learning something as well?

Knowledge transfer is a central pillar. A good Rehabilitation for the heart makes you an expert on your own illness. In seminars and lectures, you will learn all about risk factors, nutrition, medication and stress management.

I'm actually feeling quite well again. Do I still have to go to rehab?

Yes, absolutely. Subjective well-being can be deceptive. The Rehabilitation for the heart is a medically necessary measure that has been proven to improve your long-term prognosis. It reduces the risk of another heart attack and increases your life expectancy - even if you already feel fit again.

Is taking part in a heart group strenuous?

The intensity of the training is adapted precisely to your personal fitness level, which is determined beforehand in an exercise ECG. You will be challenged, but never overwhelmed. The training should be fun and increase your performance gradually and safely.

Can I return to my job after rehab?

Yes, professional reintegration is one of the main objectives of the Rehabilitation for the heart. The rehabilitation clinic will carry out a socio-medical assessment of your capacity. Together with you and your family doctor, we will plan the next steps, e.g. gradual reintegration.

What happens if I develop symptoms during training in the cardio group?

This is exactly what medical supervision is for. A doctor is present at every training session and can intervene immediately in an emergency. The trainers are specially trained to look out for warning signs. Training in a heart group is the safest form of exercise for heart patients.

My heart attack was years ago. Can I still benefit from rehab?

Yes, it is never too late to start a healthier lifestyle and targeted training. Even years after an event, you can benefit from participating in an outpatient heart group and structured cardiology follow-up care. Talk to us to find out the options for your individual Rehabilitation for the heart to clarify.

Your comeback starts today - we're with you

A heart event is a turning point, but also the starting point for a new, healthier life. The Rehabilitation for the heart gives you the strength, the security and the knowledge for this path. As your cardiology partner in Düsseldorf, we are at your side for the long term. Contact us to plan your aftercare.