Rebuilding Heart Health After a Hospital Stay

Recovering from hospitalization can be especially challenging for those with heart conditions. Taking steps to support your heart health during your recovery can drastically improve outcomes, restore your independence, and reduce your risk of returning to the hospital.

Prioritize Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

One of the most important ways to support your heart health after hospitalization is through consistent medical oversight. Even minor changes in symptoms, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heart rhythms, can quickly become serious if left unaddressed. Regular monitoring of your vital signs, weight, oxygen levels, and cardiac symptoms can help you identify potential concerns early, allowing providers to intervene before serious complications develop.

Focus on a Heart-Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Habits

Healthy daily habits play an important role in supporting recovery and reducing strain on the heart. Following a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and low in sodium supports cardiovascular health. Staying physically active with the guidance of your doctor can also improve strength, endurance, and circulation during your recovery. Other healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco, contribute to better heart health as well.

Stay on Track With Medications

Blood thinners, beta blockers, diuretics, and other heart medications may need ongoing adjustment to ensure their effectiveness while minimizing side effects. You should make sure to understand what each medication does, when it should be taken, and what warning signs to watch for. Ongoing medication review and education with your provider will help reduce your risk of a medication-related complication that could lead to rehospitalization.

Support Recovery Through Rehabilitation

Structured rehabilitation therapy programs can help you rebuild strength, improve endurance, and safely regain mobility after hospitalization. When rehabilitation is coordinated with cardiac oversight, you’ll benefit from a more comprehensive approach that addresses both your heart health and functional recovery.

How Cardiac Care at Bolger Short-Term Rehab Prevents Rehospitalizations

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 25 percent of heart failure patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days and about half are readmitted within six months However, only about 10 percent of Christian Health heart failure patients were readmitted through late 2025, which dropped to 8 percent by year-end.

At Bolger Short-Term Rehab, specialized cardiac care is integrated into our patients’ post-acute care through a physician-led program. By combining the expertise of Dr. David Fridman, Cardiology Director, and Dr. Erik Svensson, Medical Director, and their team with our American Heart Association Heart Failure Certification, we provide patients with a level of evidence-based care typically found only in a hospital setting but in a comfortable, rehabilitation-focused environment. With thoughtfully coordinated treatment plans, the team at Bolger Short-Term Rehab can identify early warning signs, make timely treatment adjustments, help prevent avoidable hospital readmissions, and support our patients’ recoveries and long-term heart health.

To learn more, please call (201) 335-1063 or visit Bolger Short-Term Rehab.