Cardiac Rehab-Golf

  How soon after completing the Phase II Cardiac Rehab Program (36 session) can someone go out and try to play golf?  Are there any precautions someone should be aware of after the cardiac rehab program?

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

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Dear Marcy,
This really is a question for the rehabilitation center where the rehab was performed; the physical therapist that
oversaw the rehabilitation should be able to give the patient a very good idea
as to what s/he should expect when performing daily exercise and or hobbies like golf,even just mowing the lawn.
In general rehab
programs are designed to get the patient back to or into a lifestyle of regular
exercise and activities.  As for precautions, these are usually discussed at the final rehab session, but only if there are
any, otherwise the patient should use his or her common sense, i.e. do not go out there (on the golf course or where ever)
and over do it.  Just as important is that the patient not under do it, i.e. maintain a daily exercise program which is of the
utmost importance to maintaining health.  Since the rehab program is phased and does not necessarily mimic real life, it is
in a patient's best interest to work their way in to their hobbies like golf in this case, and again use commom sense.  For instance
in this case, the patient can go out and play golf, however s/he should only walk a few holes or half the course and not all eighteen on the first day out.
If the patient feels fatigued after walking 5 holes then s/he should slowly work up to walking 5 holes in the next few months.
Every cardiac patient is different and so it is very important that the patient should there be any changes in the ability to perform
daily activities contact/inform his/her cardiologist of the change.  
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only
be made by your physician(s).