Leading a Healthy Lifestyle
Having a heart problem does not necessarily represent the end of a normal lifestyle. Instead, it can be an opportunity to make a new start and take an active role in the health of your heart.
St. Joseph’s Health nationally-certified outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program includes medically supervised lifestyle and exercise treatments plans for patients who have cardiovascular disease or are recovering from heart surgery or a cardiac procedure. Our program also provides you with education and counseling services that can help reduce your risk of future heart problems.
Who is a Candidate for Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Many individuals can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation including, but not limited to, those who have experienced:
- Stable angina (chest pain)
- Heart attack
- Open heart surgery
- Interventional cardiac procedures (such as stenting)
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart transplant
Additionally, patients at high risk of developing heart disease (those who have a family history of heart disease and who in addition have hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol) can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.
Individual Attention
We recommend that each participant in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program have an exercise stress test for medical clearance before joining the program. An initial evaluation is then done with the staff and one of our medical directors to determine an exercise prescription and plan of care.
For your convenience we also offer evening hours for your treatment. Our clinicians also speak many languages, including Spanish.
Exercise for Life
Exercise sessions are held two to three times a week for up to 18 weeks, depending on the individual situation. Each session is approximately one hour and may include aerobic exercise and strength training with potential use of a treadmill, stationary bicycle, arm ergometer and either a standing or recumbent stair climbing machine. Warm-up and cool-down stretches are part of the routine. Exercise levels are adjusted on an individual basis as physical ability improves. A registered nurse or exercise physiologist supervises each session. Heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are monitored before, during and after exercise. We keep your physicians abreast of your progress and any concerns.
Learning to Be Kind to Your Heart
Education is an essential component of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and vital to your ability to lower risk factors. We provide education and support for both the patient and family on a variety of topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology of the heart
- Blood pressure management
- Diabetes management
- Exercise and activity guidelines
- Heart healthy diet
- Commonly prescribed medications for heart diseases
- Stress management
- Emotional/psychological adjustments to heart disease
- Maintaining Good Health
Follow-up evaluations are done at the end of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program to measure your progress and to make adjustments to your exercise prescription. The cardiac rehabilitation team will provide you with a home exercise routine so that you may continue to maximize cardiovascular health. You may choose to continue in our maintenance exercise program.
How To Get Started
Ask your physician if the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program would be right for you. A physician referral is necessary to enter the program. Contact your insurance company regarding coverage. The staff can help with any questions or concerns in this area.
