• Regular physical activity helps your heart and the rest of your body get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves your energy level and lifts your spirits. It also reduces your chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.
• Counseling and education can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Counseling may also help you learn to manage stress and to feel better about your health.
• You have the advice and close supervision of healthcare professionals to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future problems. These professionals can also communicate with your primary care doctor or cardiologist.

Your doctor may refer you to a program or you can ask your doctor or nurse for a recommendation. Hospitals often offer cardiac rehabilitation programs. So do some community groups, such as your local senior or civic centers. Cardiac rehab is often covered by health plans and Medicare for the first two or three months.

Find a program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

• Time: Is the program offered at a time you can be there?
• Place: Is the program easy to get to?
• Services: Does the program offer the services you need?
• Setting: Is it a group or individual program? Is it in a facility or will you do most of your physical activity at home?
• Cost: Can you afford it? Is it covered by your health plan or Medicare?