Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

37
About the Course
Physical therapists play a crucial role in the treatment and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disease.  It is important for physical therapists to have comprehensive knowledge of common cardiopulmonary diseases/conditions, prevention strategies, and treatment strategies for patients at all levels of care—from the ICU to the outpatient clinic settings. Physical therapists are a key part of the team in the treatment of these patients. This course will help to enhance your knowledge on this patient population.

Learning Objectives:
  • Define cardiovascular disease.
  • Define pulmonary disease. 
  • Give examples of common cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary diseases. 
  • List prevention strategies for cardiopulmonary disease.
  • Summarize exercise risk factors and contraindications for patients with cardiopulmonary disease. 
  • Determine the physical therapist’s role in the treatment and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. 
  • List the physical therapist’s role in the management of post-operative patients with cardiopulmonary disease. 
  • Identify physical therapy assessment tools for patients with cardiopulmonary disease.
  • Describe the physical therapist’s role in treating patients with heart failure, who are on VAD assistance, are in the ICU, as well as present with acute respiratory failure. 
  • Define the ACSM risk stratification guidelines for patients with cardiovascular disease.