Cardiac rehabilitation essential to heart health

After someone suffers a heart attack or has heart surgery, they're prescribed a cardiac rehabilitation program. It can be lifesaving, but less than 13 percent of people actually participate.

Cardiac rehab is typically a 12-week program where patients are given an exercise plan with doctors and nurses monitoring your progress.

They gradually build back up your heart capacity.

Studies show people who do these programs are less likely to suffer another heart attack, less likely to go back into the hospital and more likely to live longer.

"It's really crucial because it's not just exercising, it's about learning how to eat, learning to stop smoking, controlling your stress factors," said Dr. Leslie Cho. "It's really a crucial part of having a healthy life after your heart event."