St. Mary's Medical Center offers a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. The program has achieved national certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehab assists patients in both educational counseling in the reduction of risk factors and stress management as well as physical conditioning. The program consists of 4 phases.

Phase I

This phase occurs while in the hospital. It introduces topics related to the patient's heart condition along with guidelines for progressing their activity.

Phase II

This phase begins after discharge from the hospital. Material presented in Phase I is reinforced and centers on an individualized and progressive exercise program. In this phase, exercise sessions are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for approximately one hour, totaling 12 weeks or 36 visits. The Cardiac Rehab nurse who will monitor the individual's heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure and exercise tolerance supervises each session. Your physician will also be updated frequently as to your progress while in this phase. The purpose of this program is to assist the patient in maintaining and/or regaining an optimal quality of life.

Phase III/IV

These two phases occur after the completion of Phase II. Both are maintenance programs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The programs provide an opportunity for patients to continue the rehab process through exercise and education. With these programs, patients will be able to continue decreasing their risk factors, promoting self-esteem and self-motivated heart healthy lifestyles.

Who Qualifies for Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Any individual that has experienced a heart attack, angioplasty, stent, value repair, value replacement or heart transplant, or has had open heart surgery within the past 12 months. Other heart related illnesses may also qualify.

How Do You Become Involved?

Patients are referred to the Cardiac Rehab Program by their own physician or cardiologist. Ask you physician if you might benefit by participating in the program.

What are the Benefits?

The Cardiac Rehab Program provides assistance and continued support for persons with heart disease.

• It helps to improve the patient's physical condition.
• It provides further education.
• It assists in developing a positive self-image.
• It provides rehabilitation services within the patient's own community.
• It provides support from other patients within the group with similar experiences.

Is there a support group?

A monthly support group is provided for all present and former participants of the program. Spouses and any other family members or friends are also encouraged to attend. The meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month, alternating times of 10 am and 7 pm. For more information call 816-655-5433.