What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac Rehabilitation (Rehab) is a medically supervised program offering exercise, education and support.  It can provide many benefits for your overall health. Patients in the hospital, as well as those returning for outpatient visits, will receive treatment from experienced Cardiac Rehabilitation professionals.

In the hospital

Education and Activity guidance are provided right in your room by Cardiac Rehabilitation staff as well as your regular care staff.  You will be given the opportunity to learn about your body’s response to activity as well as your condition, medications and nutritional guidelines. Your Cardiac Rehab staff will help you plan your activities at home and your continuing rehabilitation and recovery.

Outpatient Program

The outpatient program lasts 8-12 weeks and consists of visits to the Healthy Heart and Rehab Center 3 times a week for about an hour.  During this time, you will exercise and attend educational sessions. It will be very important that you come as scheduled; you will recover faster if you exercise on a consistent basis.  Medicare, as well as most private insurances, will cover the cost of this program.

Exercise

Cardiac Rehabilitation offers a physician prescribed exercise program based on your history, current level of activity and cardiovascular response to activity.  This program starts slowly and progresses in length and difficulty of exercise as you improve.  The Cardiac Rehab staff will monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels while you exercise to ensure your safety.  Your heart responds to exercise just as any other muscle.  It is important to realize that your heart may be working much harder than you feel you are.  You and the staff will review your heart’s response after each session and you will be involved in the next step.  No exercise or strenuous activity should be attempted outside of the Cardiac Rehab environment until you and the staff has planned it.

Education

Educational sessions and individual teaching are a very important part of Cardiac Rehabilitation.  Group classes are presented pertaining to topics such as:  nutrition, cooking, medications, blood pressure control, stress management, cholesterol lowering, coping with heart disease, activity/ exercise and smoking cessation. You are encouraged to participate in all classes offered, the information will help you take charge of your health and prevent further problems.  You are welcome to bring someone with you to class to help you stay on track at home.

Support

The environment of Cardiac Rehab serves to promote your independence.  The professionals are here to help you learn to take care of yourself.  As a result, you will notice that you are asked to learn your exercise plan, apply monitoring equipment, discuss your medications and eating habits.  You will be assisted when needed and encouraged to do what you are capable of doing.

It is common for you to feel down or blue during your recovery period.  The staff is here to help you through this time.  We can answer your questions, talk to worried family members or just listen.  We can also get you more help if you just can’t shake the feeling or get back to your old self.   Progress may seem slow and you may be bored.  It is vital that you follow the plan and progress at a pace your heart can handle.  

We look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals!