The Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic

With heart disease the leading cause of death in the world, Bangkok Hospital is focusing on end-to-end management of cardiac patients with its new Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic. In the short time it has been open, the clinic has helped thousands of patients regain their health and learn how to avoid a recurrence of their condition.

Cardiac patients are often told to consult their doctors before starting any exercise regimes. Bangkok Hospital's program provides constant medical feedback, and is designed to effect the quickest possible recovery while assuring patient safety.

The clinic provides:

• An exercise-based cardiac recuperation and traning program
  
• A relaxation clinic to reduce stress
  
• Dietary counseling
  
• EECP (enhanced external counterpulsation), where pneumatic cuffs around the legs inflate to force blood back into areas of the heart that may be lacking it

Cardiac rehabilitation is suitable for:

• Patients recovering from a heart attack
  
• Patients recovering from bypass surgery, angioplasty or pacemaker placement
  
• Controlled cardiac arryhtmia and stable angina

There are separate programs for inpatients and outpatients, and individual programs may be tailored to any patient's unique situation. Both in- and out-patient programs include closely monitored, progressive physical activity to find safe levels, and focus on modifying risk factors and lifestyles. In-patients also learn about the disease process, and receive individualized dietary advice.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to provide complete care for cardiac patients and those at high risk of heart disease. A successful recovery from bypass surgery requires a thorough understanding of the process by the patient and the family. Recovery is directly related to the extent of damage already caused by coronary artery disease and the natural healing ability of the heart.

The cardiac rehabilitation team supports the individual and the body during the healing process and repair of the damaged tissues, and is well equipped with state-of-the-art technology and full-time cardiologists. Patient and family education is a part of cardiac rehabilitation program and helps everyone involved understand how the heart works and what can be done to improve and maintain excellent health.

Dr. Kitipan V.Arom , the director of the Bangkok Heart Hospital , feels that the growing number of clinics at the hospital is a great boon to patients. "Every condition needs to be managed differently. The doctors and staff who run our specialized centers and clinics quickly become expert at managing specific conditions, and patients have much better outcomes than at smaller facilities where generalist skills dominate in the workforce".