Cardiac Rehabilitation is an exercise and education program for persons who have experienced a cardiac event. The program is designed to help people with cardiovascular disease feel confident that they can safely exercise and gradually return to their previous or and improved lifestyle. Our cardiac rehab staff will develop a rehab program aimed at improving your overall health and reducing your risk of future heart problems.
Who is eligible for cardiac rehab?
Men and Women of all ages can benefit from cardiac rehab. You are eligible if you have had:
- Heart Attack
- Heart failure
- Bypass surgery/valve surgery
- Balloon procedure
- Stent placement
- Stable angina
- Heart Transplant
What benefits will I receive form cardiac rehabilitation?
- Feel better faster so you can return to previous activities
- Incorporate a regular exercise program into your daily routine
- Increase your strength and endurance
- Reduce risk for future heart problems
- Reduce stress
What happens during my cardiac rehab sessions?
During phase II cardiac rehab a cardiac monitor will be in place during your sessions so that the cardiac rehab nurse can carefully watch your heart rate and any changes in your heart tracing while you are exercising. They will also check your blood pressure frequently during the session to make sure your blood pressure responds appropriately to exercise. The exercise time and intensity begins at a low level and is slowly increased throughout the program as your body becomes more conditioned.
Another important aspect of the phase II program is risk factor reduction through education about risk factors and lifestyle modification. Education sessions are held while you are exercising or after exercise during your cool down period. You are given the option to visit with a dietician during your time in cardiac rehab to better understand a heart healthy diet.
Cardiac Rehab nurses stay in close contact with your physician throughout your phase II program and relay any concerns or problems to them promptly.
During phase III, you are supervised but not monitored on the cardiac monitor. You will have access to the same equipment you used in the phase II program. You are responsible for monitoring your heart rate and recording your exercise each day you attend. The nurse is available to check your blood pressure or initiate further monitoring if problems occur. You should report any problems to the cardiac rehab nurse.