Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Washington Hospital Healthcare System
2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West), Suite 210
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 494-7022
Cardiac Rehabilitation is the process which restores a patient to the activity
level they enjoyed prior to their cardiac event. The cardiac rehabilitation
experience begins in the hospital. Patients build up their endurance gradually
over time; all the while they are in the program their heart rate is monitored
by a trained nurse to ensure their safety.
Fremont Resident Has His Heart in the Right Place:
Read about cardiac rehab participant Doug Taylor's journey.
Cardiac Rehabilitation during the Hospital Stay
The first hospital visit includes teaching, psychological support, and
assistance taking their first steps. Cardiac Rehabilitation nurses also
provide assurance to patients and families during the hospital stay to
assist in preparing the patient to go home.
Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation:
Patients are ready to begin the out-patient cardiac rehabilitation program
four to six weeks after surgery, although some patients will be able to
start sooner, with physician approval.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is provided in a series of one hour classes, which
include 10 minutes of warm up and stretching; 40 minutes of exercise conditioning,
and 10 minutes of cool down and stretching. All exercise is done while
the heart is monitored using portable telemetry monitoring under the observation
of an exercise physiologist. In this way, patients are able to learn to
exercise as well as improve and progress in a closely monitored environment.
To begin the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, a physician's
referral is required. In addition, the referral may have to be authorized
by the physician's office for the insurance company.
Cardiac rehabilitation classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Classes are held at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., Noon, 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation are many and include:
- Strengthening of the heart
- General body conditioning
- Early detection of medical problems
- Weight loss
- Better blood sugar control
- Better blood pressure control
- Improved lipid panel
- Restored self confidence
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Improved socialization
- Individual counseling
In addition to the monitored cardiac rehabilitation programs, supervised
exercise classes are also provided. Participants choose which classes
they will attend and continue to attend the same classes.
Once they have completed their 36 classes, participants may continue to
attend classes at a cost of $8.50 per session. The advantages of the program
include continued exercise to minimize the risks associated with cardiac
disease and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is located on the 2nd floor of our
Washington West facility at 2500 Mowry Avenue, across the street from
the hospital. Easy patient parking and elevator access are provided. To
contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation department, call (510) 494-7022.
Mended Hearts - For people who have had heart surgery, heart attack, angioplasty,
angina and/or other cardiac conditions. This support group gives people
a chance to share their struggles with others who understand their situation
as well as learn to lead a more heart healthy lifestyle. To get involved
with Mended Hearts, call (510) 494-7022. For more information about the
national Mended Hearts, visit www.mendedhearts.org.