Our Services

Regional Heart Center

Cardiac Rehabilitation

INPATIENT: Our experienced team of professionals focuses on providing very good care to cardiac patients with primary attention on excellent education. Prior to discharge from the hospital, our skilled Registered Nurses and Exercise Physiologists present each patient and their family members with Home Recovery Instructions, Congestive Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction (heart attack), angina (chest pain), Nitroglycerin and secondary prevention education, as well as smoking cessation counseling or Coumadin education as appropriate. Our Registered Dietician offers nutrition and dietary information on the Cardiac Prudent, 2 gram sodium, and High Protein diets according to the patient’s needs. We refer patients who meet criteria for Outpatient Cardiac Rehab to the program closest to the area of their residence. Those who do not meet criteria for Outpatient Cardiac Rehab are given home exercise instructions. We assist the Unit 41 staff to mobilize the post-op surgery patients as well as the MI (Myocardial Infarction) and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) patients.

OUTPATIENT: Our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to help cardiac patients return to their normal activities. This is accomplished through a medically supervised, telemetry monitored exercise regimen as well as nutritional counseling and ongoing education about risk factor modification. Our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation staff consists of experienced Registered Nurses, Clinical Exercise Physiologists, and a Registered Dietitian. This program strives to improve overall cardiovascular fitness after heart surgery, heart attack or the onset of heart disease; such physical conditioning helps prevent future heart problems and improves quality of life. Our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is nationally certified by the AACVPR (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation).

WHO NEEDS OUTPATIENT CARDIAC REHAB?

Outpatient Cardiac Rehab is indicated for anyone with heart disease including the following:

• Stable Angina
  
• Heart Attack
  
• Angioplasty
  
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
  
• Coronary Stents
  
• Valve Replacement/Repair
  
• Congestive Heart Failure
  
• Risk Factors for heart disease

Acceptance into the Outpatient Cardiac Rehab Program is conditional upon insurance coverage. Most insurance companies cover Cardiac Rehabilitation. We will be happy to assist you in determining your insurance coverage.

WHAT DOES THE OUTPATIENT CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM CONSIST OF?

Our program assists patients resume healthy, independent lives. Our program involves the following processes:

• Development of a personalized exercise regimen.
  
• Instruction and supervision on exercise equipment, such as treadmills, stationary bikes and recumbent steppers.
  
• Exercise in a group setting to facilitate social support.
  
• Monitoring of patient’s response to exercise via the following:electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure.
  
• Progress reports sent to patient’s physicians.
  
• Professional guidance regarding starting a home exercise program and purchasing home exercise equipment.
  
• Risk factor counseling and education including smoking cessation, cholesterol and blood pressure control, diabetes management, weight management and stress management techniques.
  
• Nutritional assessment and counseling as needed.
  
• Education in group setting as well as individualized sessions according to patient/family needs.

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM CONDUCTED?

Outpatient Cardiac Rehab is located on the second floor of the hospital near Physical Medicine. You may use valet parking (at no charge) in the front of the hospital and once inside follow the signs to the exercise facility.

HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

Your physician will usually order Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation services to begin seven to ten days after your discharge from the hospital following a procedure or heart attack. You will be scheduled to attend an orientation prior to starting the program. There is no charge for this appointment.

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