Cardiac Rehabilitation at Home: Safe MET Levels, Heart Rate Pacing & Walking

The Four Phases of Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based clinical intervention for patients recovering from myocardial infarction (heart attack), coronary angioplasty (stent placement), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Kolkata.

Rehabilitation spans four structured phases: Phase I (in-hospital acute monitoring), Phase II (early outpatient/home monitored rehabilitation for 6-12 weeks), Phase III (progressive community maintenance), and Phase IV (long-term lifestyle preservation).

• Reduces cardiovascular mortality by up to 26% and decreases hospital readmission rates.
• Safely reconditions the myocardium (heart muscle) while lowering resting blood pressure.
• Restores psychological confidence and alleviates post-cardiac event anxiety.

Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Levels and Borg Exertion Scale

Physical activities are measured in METs (Metabolic Equivalents), where 1 MET represents the energy cost of quiet sitting. During Phase II home recovery, activity progresses from low-intensity tasks (2-3 METs, light dressing and slow walking) toward moderate tasks (4-5 METs, brisk walking and light stairs).

Patients are trained on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE 6-20 scale). Exercise should remain between 11 ('fairly light') and 13 ('somewhat hard'), allowing the patient to speak in full sentences without gasping ('the talk test').

• Strictly observe target heart rate limits calculated by your cardiologist or physiotherapist.
• Always incorporate a 5-minute gradual warm-up and 5-minute cool-down to prevent arrhythmias.
• Sternal precautions for 6-8 weeks following CABG: no lifting over 5 kg and no pushing through arms.

Safe Monitored Home Cardiac Rehabilitation in Kolkata

Traveling through crowded streets can cause undue stress and anxiety for post-cardiac patients. CareMotion brings clinically monitored cardiac rehabilitation into your home, tracking blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation before, during, and after exertion.

Our specialized physiotherapists coordinate closely with your cardiologist's discharge protocol, ensuring every exercise milestone is achieved safely.

• Stop exercise immediately and seek emergency medical care if chest tightness, arm radiation, dizziness, or cold sweats occur.
• Walk on level, cool indoor surfaces or shaded balconies during early recovery weeks.
• Gradually advance walking duration by 2-3 minutes weekly as cardiovascular endurance adapts.

Useful next steps

• Cardiac rehabilitation services
• Post-surgical home care
• Schedule an in-home evaluation

Further reading

• American Heart Association: Cardiac Rehabilitation Overview