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Home » Services » Cardiology » Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Catholic Health System Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a three-phase approach designed to meet the needs of individuals recovering from:

  • Heart attack
  • Bypass surgery
  • Heart transplant
  • Angioplasty/atherectomy
  • Valve repair or replacement
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • congestive heart failure
  • other forms of heart disease

Phase I provides valuable education for patients during their hospital stay including information on coronary artery disease and risk factor modification. Phase II is a physician supervised/prescribed aerobic exercise and education program that emphasizes lifestyle changes and healthy living. Patients exercise wearing a cardiac monitor for most or part of the program. The usual length of the program is between 24 to 36 sessions, three times per week. Phase III is a supervised aerobic exercise program. Participants are encouraged to maintain a physically active lifestyle and continue compliance with risk factor modification.

This comprehensive program is offered at the Mercy Ambulatory Care Center and Sisters of Charity Hospital. The cardiac rehabilitation programs at the Mercy Ambulatory Care Center and Sisters Hospital are American Association of CardioVascular Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) Certified. Our compassionate team of skilled and talented health care professionals will provide patients with the support and encouragement crucial to successful completion of the three-phase program.

Goal

The primary goal of Cardiac Rehabilitation is to help every individual achieve their optimal physical, psychological and functional well-being within the limitations set by the disease, giving heart patients enjoyable and productive lives in as effective a way as possible. Our commitment to excellence helps patients develop safe healthy lifestyles and increase their knowledge of:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Medication
  • Healthy diet
  • Lifelong aerobic exercises

Exercise

Before starting this program, you will meet with one of our staff members who will:

  • Obtain/review your medical history
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Review your current medications and doses
  • Measure body fat percentage
  • Help you set long-range goals.

Your primary physician or cardiologist may also order an exercise stress test before entering the program. With this information, an individualized exercise program is developed by the cardiology director, registered nurse coordinator and/or exercise physiologist, based on your physician’s recommendations. Exercise programs may include:

  • Walking or jogging
  • The use of stationary bicycles
  • The use of rowers
  • The use of benchsteps/stairclimbers
  • The use of Airdyne bicycles
  • The use of ski machines,
  • The use of treadmills
  • The use of arm ergometers and arm weights

Exercises are tailored to fit your physical condition.

Since regular attendance is necessary to achieve maximum physical conditioning and cardiovascular benefit, we encourage you to attend all 36 sessions. Various class times are available to accommodate your personal schedule.

 Click here to watch a short video on Cardiac Rehabilitation at Catholic Health System.