In the twenty-first century, cardiac rehab programs have become synonymous with health and wellness for persons with coronary heart disease (CHD). Controlled studies of outpatient cardiac rehab programs have shown that participation resulted in a 25 percent reduction in mortality from CHD, a 37 percent reduction in sudden death in post MI (heart attack) patients, and for those who remained active after cardiac rehab, a reduced mortality of 30 percent to 79 percent! Cardiac Rehabilitation works!
This program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Carondelet Heart Institute is an exercise and education program, especially designed to help heart patients reduce or control cardiac risk factors, improve cardiovascular fitness and actually learn to thrive with heart disease.
We work with men and women who have experienced heart attacks, have undergone cardiac surgery or coronary angioplasty, (PTCA) or stent placement.
What is the program like?
In the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program we focus on:
- exercise
- nutrition and weight control
- stress management
- education
- support
We tailor individual programs to fit your needs. Staff members keep thorough records during your rehabilitation, sharing all information with you and your physicians.
Whenever you exercise, you will be hooked up to an EKG monitor with staff supervising and assessing your exercise session.
How does the program work?
There are four phases in Carondelet Heart Institute's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
Phase I is for patients hospitalized for heart disease. This phase focuses on education and safe progression of activity.
Phase II consists of EKG-monitored exercise sessions, educational classes and individual teaching. EKG monitoring provides safety during exercise sessions and serves as one way to evaluate progress. The monitoring also provides your physician with information to make adjustments in your medical treatment.
Before you begin the Phase II program, you will go through a one-on-one orientation with the staff. You will have an opportunity to become familiar with the facility and the staff, which includes cardiac nurses, a registered dietitian, a certified diabetic educator and an administrative technician.
Then you will begin a progressive, supervised and monitored exercise program three times a week. All equipment is state-of-the-art and designed for your comfort.
In addition, you'll participate in education classes on heart disease, nutrition, stress management and lifestyle changes. As you learn how to reduce your cardiac risk factors, you'll learn to enhance the quality of your life.
Phase III is a maintenance program that provides a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for individuals who have completed phase II and wish to continue on with their lifestyle choices and changes adopted during their phase II program.
Phase IV (St. Mary’s only) is a monthly maintenance program.
A monthly support group, held the first Monday of the month at St. Joseph Medical Center, and the first Thursday of the month at St. Mary’s Medical Center rounds out the list of programs available
to participants.
Is my spouse part of the program?
We encourage spouses or loved ones to come to the sessions and to be actively involved in the educational component of the program. We know that if this happens, you'll have the best possible chance for long-term success.
Learning to adjust to lifestyle changes can be a difficult experience for heart patients. Along with other patients and the staff, spouses and loved ones become part of a support group that listens to your concerns and offer you ongoing encouragement during
your recovery.
When do I begin the program?
You and your physician decide a starting point. Some patients begin cardiac rehabilitation while they're still in the hospital. Others wait a few weeks after they've had cardiac problems.
How long does the program last?
The formal Phase II program lasts 12 weeks with sessions coordinated three times a week. Many patients enroll in the maintenance program after they finish Phase II. They find their motivation remains high when they continue to work closely with professionals who are aware of their health risks and who are close at hand while they exercise.
Does insurance cover cardiac rehabilitation?
Many insurance companies offer reimbursement for cardiac rehabilitation programs (except maintenance) when such services are prescribed by a physician. Our administrative technician will assist you in obtaining this information from your insurance carrier.
Where is the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center?
At St. Joseph Medical Center, Cardiac Rehabilitation is located in the Community Center for Health and Education on the Center’s campus. At St. Mary’s Medical Center, Cardiac Rehabilitation is located just inside the Medical Center Campus main entrance. Both contain spacious facilities that include exercise areas with heart-monitoring equipment, classrooms, showers and comfortable waiting areas for spouses and friends accompanying patients.
What if my physician is not affiliated with St. Joseph or St. Mary’s Medical Centers?
Not all cardiac rehab patients receive prior treatment at St. Joseph or St. Mary’s Medical Centers, nor are all their physicians affiliated with the health center. Many cardiac patients come to us with their physicians' blessings because of the quality of our care and our convenient locations. Whether or not your physician is affiliated with St. Joseph or St. Mary’s Medical Center, we will work closely with him or her to tailor the right program for you to ensure you get the best rehabilitative care possible.
Call Us
If you would like to know more about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, arrange a visit or find out how to enroll, call us at 816-943-4582 or
816-655-5433 (St. Mary's Medical Center).