How you prepare

If you've had a heart attack, heart surgery or another heart condition, ask your doctor about joining a cardiac rehabilitation program. Insurance and Medicare often cover the costs of cardiac rehabilitation in the United States. Check with your insurance company to see if your cardiac rehabilitation will be covered.

Your treatment team will work with you to set goals for your cardiac rehabilitation program and design a program that meets your needs. In some cases, a case manager will track your care.

Cardiac rehabilitation can begin while you're still in the hospital or, more likely, as an outpatient. For some people, a home-based program might work, especially at certain times, such as a pandemic.