Cardiac Rehab After Stenting Saves Lives

For those of you who have had a heart stent, there is very interesting news out of the prestigious Mayo Clinic. According to Dr. Randal Thomas, the principle investigator of a new study published in the most recent issue of Circulation, participation in a formal cardiac rehabilitation program following stenting is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality!

Says the Exercise Expert: "There is ample evidence, including from our study, to show that there is much work to do in prevention and improving outcomes. Second, it's important for patients and providers to recognize that not only is rehabilitation important and provides significant benefit, it's also covered by insurance companies."

That's right! Since 2006, in the majority of cases, insurance companies will pay for up to 36 sessions of cardiac rehab for any patient who has undergone any type of coronary intervention. The benefits of cardiac rehab go beyond the thrice weekly treadmill requirement. There is also the peer support that develops between patients who attend regularly, supervision by caring and knowledgeable rehab professionals, weight loss, and of course, a feeling of normalcy and reassurance that after a stent you can perform as well, if not better, than one could before the stent was placed.

Most hospitals and many independent facilities offer these services and accept a host of insurances.