Cardiac Rehabilitation
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation program is designed to help patients recover from
heart problems and return to optimal health. Specially-trained nurses, exercise
physiologists, dietitians and therapists work with each patient’s physician to
design a rehabilitation program that fits their needs and helps them reach their
individual goals.
Cardiac Rehabilitation consists of three core phases, though two more phases (4 - 5) are offered but considered optional. Phases 1 - 3 consist of:
-
Recovery
-
Exercise and Education
-
Maintenance
Phase 1 - Recovery
- Phase 1 begins when the patient is admitted to the hospital for a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart procedure. After a physician referral to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, a health assessment and orientation session are completed.
- When the patient's condition has stabilized, cardiac rehabilitation nurses or exercise physiologists work with the patient to begin exercising appropriately. As the patient improves, activity and exercise levels are gradually increased.
- During Phase 1, the Cardiac Rehabilitation team begins educating each patient
and his or her family about what is happening with their body, the benefits and
risks of exercise, and preparation for returning home from the hospital. The education
sessions are tailored specifically for each patient to ensure they get the information
that applies to their situation.
Phase 2 - Exercise and Education
- Phase 2 begins two to three weeks after the patient is discharged from the hospital. This phase continues exercise and education, but elevates the intensity of the workouts as appropriate. Most patients in Phase 2 participate in 60-90 minute rehabilitation sessions three times a week for up to 12 weeks. The exercise programs continue to be tailored for each patient, based on their progress and limitations.
- The educational process is continued through self-learning and group sessions,
and patients are instructed on how to exercise at home and resume daily tasks
and leisure activities.
- Each patient's physician is kept informed of progress, and a report is sent to the physician at the conclusion of Phase 2.
Phase 3 - Maintenance
- When patients have completed Phase 2, they move into the Maintenance phase if
they still require close monitoring.
- This phase continues as long as participant chooses, as educational programs continue and broaden, and exercise is advanced as tolerated
Phase 4
- Phase 4 is similar to Phase 3 in that it is a maintenance phase that involves individualized workout programs and education opportunities. However, patients in Phase 4 do not require as close monitoring as those in Phase 3.
- Even community
members who have not gone through the first phases can participate in Phase 4
if they are at a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
- The progressive improvement of exercise and education can continue for as long as the patient chooses to attend.
Phase 5
- Phase 5 is focused on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Participants
may have risk factors for heart disease, but have not been diagnosed and require
minimal supervision.
- Like the other phases, exercise and education are used to
encourage and promote lifelong heart health.
- This phase does not require a physician referral.