Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation is designed to meet the needs of individuals recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, stable angina or those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and condition such as obesity, tobacco abuse, or high stress levels. Our staff will provide individuals with the necessary educational information and guidance required to make crucial lifestyle changes. You may enter the program at one of three phases. Upon entry, your needs are assessed, goals are developed and an individualized therapy program is initiated.
Cardiac Rehabilitation programs involve up to three phases, each tailored to meet the needs and conditions of individual participants. Programs include mentioned exercises and education as care elements of each phase. Participants learn about anatomy, safe activity levels, risk factors medications, diet and stress as they safely establish good exercise habits.
Phase I
Phase I begins the road to recovery. The Cardiac Rehabilitation staff meets with a patient prior to the hospital discharge to assess the needs of the patient's recovery program. At this time, a patient begins exercise designed to improve strength, mobility and endurance. These may include range of motion exercises, assisted ambulation and stationary biking. Prior to discharge, staff members provide individualized educational programs and are available to answer any questions that arise.
Phase II
Participants of the second phase are seen on an outpatient basis. Typically, patients attend one hour sessions, three times per week for up to 12 weeks. Sessions include ECG monitored exercise and education in a fun and supportive environment. All exercises are medically supervised with continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm. The exercise component of the program includes but is not limited to, walking on a treadmill, riding a stationary bicycle and performing flexibility exercises. The goal of this phase is to familiarize the participants and their families with risk factor modification techniques while improving cardiovascular functioning, endurance and self-esteem. Participants learn to overcome their fear of exercising and become confident in their ability and to safely return to their previous activity level.
Benefits of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
These are many benefits that may be obtained through a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Some of the benefits include:
Reasons Why Cardiac Rehab is Important
Cardiac rehabilitation can improve the physical and mental status of persons recovering from heart disorders. An organized rehabilitation program helps your primary physician and cardiologist to monitor you during the critical stages of recovery. Cardiac Rehabilitation programs provide evaluation of our physical status and activity tolerance and help guide you in safe home exercise and work guidelines. Classes on diet changes, weight loss, smoking cessation and stress management make our comprehensive program complete.
