Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
The outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Mon Health Medical Center offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary recovery program for patients who have had a heart attack, angioplasty, implanted stent, cardiovascular surgery, heart failure or have been diagnosed or are at risk for heart disease.
Evidence shows that 36 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation can improve your quality of life and help prevent future heart events.
The goal of the program is to return our patients to a normal lifestyle through strictly monitored exercise. The rehabilitation staff works with the patients’ physicians to restore optimal physical and mental well-being.
Education is a key component of cardiac rehabilitation. Our staff provides education to both hospital inpatients and outpatients about their cardiac diagnosis and impending procedures and surgeries. The education includes the anatomy/physiology of the heart, risk factors for heart disease, signs and symptoms, when to call their doctor, discharge medications, home exercise, wound care if applicable and activity restrictions.
All patients are encouraged to participate in the outpatient Cardiac Rehab located closest to their home.
Cardiac Rehab Phase II
What does the Phase II program involve?
The rehabilitation process begins with a physician referral. Once a patient is referred to the program, an individualized exercise program is developed by a master’s prepared exercise physiologist to help build endurance and muscle strength. Throughout the exercise session, the patient’s electrocardiogram (EKG), heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored by a registered nurse, who has specialized in cardiac nursing, and an exercise physiologist. The program also includes education about modifying risk factors for heart disease, medications, and the heart disease process through videos, classes, and group discussions. Class times are offered mornings and afternoons. Participants should wear jogging/walking shoes, a loose-fitting shirt and comfortable pants.
When can I begin?
The Phase II Outpatient Rehabilitation Program may begin within a week after discharge from the hospital following a heart attack, angioplasty, implanted stents, or heart surgery. However, the patient’s physician will determine the best time to enter the program.
What comes after Phase II?
Cardiac Rehabilitation offers a Phase III maintenance program for cardiac patients who have completed the Phase II program. This program consists of supervised, but unmonitored exercise and helps encourage patients to make exercise a part of their daily lives. An “at risk” program is also offered for individuals who have any coronary artery disease risk factors. This exercise program is also open to spouses of the patients, which provides an opportunity to exercise together. These classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
What equipment is used?
Motorized treadmills, air resistance bicycles, recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, NuStep crosstrainer, Stairmaster machines, free weights and rowing machines are used to improve cardiovascular fitness. Each session consists of 5 to 10 minutes of stretching to warm-up and cool-down. A relaxation period is designed to allow the heart rate and blood pressure to slowly return to resting level. The entire Phase II session lasts approximately 60 minutes. Phase III participants may elect to work out longer.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
All or part of the Phase II rehabilitation cost is normally reimbursed by most medical insurance companies. We will be happy to assist you in completing your insurance claims or confirming coverage for your participation. A minimal fee is charged for the Phase III and At Risk programs since they typically are not covered by insurance.