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Role of Physiotherapy in Cardiovascular diseases Mohd.
Abdul Khaleque Asst. Prof. of Physiotherapy |
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Cardiovascular
diseases are leading cause of death all over the world. This effect can
be measured both in terms of the disabilities produced and in the
economic burden placed on the patient, his family and community
resulting from health care costs and loss of income. Physiotherapy
in Cardiovascular diseases aim to destroy or burn excess calories,
reduce obesity and keep the muscular-skeletal system at its functional
best. Epidemiological
studies reveal that certain risk factors are associated with the
development of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. These
factors are, certain living habits- cigarette smoking, sedentary (under
exercise) life styles, a diet excessive in calories, saturated fat, and
cholesterol & obesity. Other risk factors include genetic
predisposition, high blood pressure, diabetes, sex and age. These risk
factors permit the prediction of developing cardiovascular disease
before the actual symptoms appear. Many of these risk factors can be
modified or eliminated for example- smoking, sedentary life style,
elevated blood pressure, elevated serum cholesterol and obesity. The
primary benefits of physiotherapy in a patient with heart disease are to
prevent complications such as respiratory trouble, thrombo-emnbolic
events & diminished oxygen supply to cardiac muscles. It has been
postulated that significant disturbances of cardiac rhythm, heart
failure, persistent or recurrent chest pain, uncontrolled hypertension
or hypo tension and clinical shock are due to lack of physical exercise
from early life. Physical
exercise includes self care, activity of daily living and selected
exercises designed to improve flexibility, muscles tone, ambulation,
ability to destroy or burn excess calories and reduce obesity. Cardiac
rehabilitation as a therapeutic measure for restoring functional
capacity to patients with heart diseases has progressed rapidly during
the last 3-5 years. Research studies have revealed that the exercise
capacity of these patients can be improved with safe physiotherapy
programs. Research has also shown that physiotherapy can significantly
reduce the length of hospitalization and improve the overall functional
status of the patient. Evidence of the role of exercise in preventing
myocardial infarction or the recurrence of other coronary events is
still forthcoming. Physiotherapist has an important role in monitoring and prescribing safe exercise programs for the patients with a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The skilled and experienced therapist can take care of acute care setting out-patient programs, community based programs or rehabilitation schemes. |
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