Someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. If you’ve recently had a heart attack or have undergone a heart attack-prevention procedure, Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Longwood, Florida, is your next step. Doctor of Physical Therapy Sergio Sepúlveda Sunez, DPT, offers cardiac rehab and therapy to optimize your recovery. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an in-person or virtual appointment online today.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction (MI), is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when your heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It may be caused by a blockage in a coronary artery, a blood vessel that supplies blood to your heart. Without enough blood flow, parts of your heart can begin to die. 

A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency, so dial 911 if you or a loved one experiences its symptoms. Recovering from an MI takes time, but cardiac rehab at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center can enhance your recovery. 

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Heart attack symptoms may include:

• Crushing chest pain
• Pressure, heaviness, or squeezing of your heart
• Indigestion/heartburn
• Discomfort during physical activity
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in your neck, jaw, back, arm, or shoulder
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Passing out

If you have chest pain from a heart attack, it often lasts at least 10 minutes.

Heart attack symptoms range from mild to severe, though you might not even have any noticeable discomfort. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs and heart attack risk factors. 

What happens during cardiac rehab after a heart attack?

After being treated for a heart attack or procedure that reduces your risk of a heart attack (e.g., angioplasty, stent placement, coronary bypass surgery), Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center supports your recovery using advanced cardiac rehab. 

You can meet with Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez virtually for an initial consultation and follow-up appointments.

Your personalized rehab plan after a heart attack may consist of:

• Pritikin intensive cardiac rehab (ICR)
• Vestibular screening for balance disorders and dizziness
• Heart-healthy nutrition education
• Stress management
• Long-term behavior change strategies
• Emotional support
• Smoking cessation, if applicable
• Routine patient monitoring
• Transportation assistance
• Doctor referral program

ICR is a structured cardiac rehabilitation program that combines supervised exercise with lifestyle education. 

Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez creates a personalized plan to help you regain endurance, strength, and mobility while minimizing your risk of worsening heart and blood vessel problems. He takes a holistic, patient-centered, and integrative approach.

Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center utilizes cutting-edge CardiaLine, a premier cardiopulmonary monitoring system that includes remote patient monitoring to track your progress. 

Follow up with Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez for routine cardiac rehab sessions to maximize your heart health.

Recover safely and effectively after a heart attack or preventive procedure by choosing cardiac rehab and therapy at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. Call the office or book an in-person or virtual appointment online today.