Cardiac rehabilitation is a program designed for individuals recovering from heart problems or surgery.  During rehabilitation patients are supervised and instructed through an exercise program.  Exercise typically begins at a slow, safe pace with a goal to improve ability and stamina as rehabilitation continues.  Patients are closely monitored by health care professionals observing changes in heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiograms (EKGs).  As exercise tolerance improves the program becomes more intensive until the patient is healthy enough to discontinue treatment.