Cardiac Prehabilitation
Preoperative conditioning programs designed to optimize cardiovascular fitness and functional capacity before cardiac procedures in elderly patients.
Full Definition
Cardiac prehabilitation encompasses structured preoperative interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, functional capacity, and overall physiological reserves before cardiac surgery or major cardiac procedures. In geriatric cardiology, prehabilitation programs typically include supervised exercise training, nutritional optimization, cognitive assessment, and medical optimization to reduce perioperative risks and improve postoperative outcomes. These programs are particularly valuable for elderly patients who often present with deconditioning, frailty, and multiple comorbidities that increase procedural risk. Evidence suggests that cardiac prehabilitation can reduce length of stay, decrease complications, and improve long-term functional outcomes, making it an essential component of perioperative care for older cardiac patients.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from cardiac rehabilitation, which occurs after procedures or events.
In Context
- "The 78-year-old patient enrolled in cardiac prehabilitation six weeks before scheduled aortic valve replacement." — Preoperative planning note
- "Cardiac prehabilitation improved the patient's functional capacity from 3 to 5 METs before surgery." — Perioperative assessment