Cardiac Rehabilitation

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; while they are in the program their heart rate is monitored by a trained nurse to ensure their safety.

Cardiac Rehabilitation During the Hospital Stay

Immediately after surgery, patients are cared for in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) by our critical care nursing staff. Our nurses use a combination of technological expertise and genuine concern for the patient in order to meet the physical and emotional well-being and comfort of our patients and families. Patients are transferred from the CCU after they meet specific clinical criteria. They remain on cardiac monitoring and begin to take meals and walk in the room and hallways. Physical therapists and occupational therapists begin working with our patients as soon as the patient is able.

The goal of physical and occupational therapy is to assist the patient in their recovery from surgery and return to their previous level of activity. Prior to discharge our pharmacist provides medication counseling prior when needed. A member of our case management team meets with the patient and family to develop a plan that will provide a safe and comfortable transition back home. The discharge plan may include visits from home health assistants, registered nurses, and perhaps physical or occupational therapists.

Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation

Patients are ready to begin the outpatient 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 warmup 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.

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 and 2:30 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 $8.93 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 Ave., across the street from the Hospital. Easy patient parking and elevator access are provided. To contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, call 510.818.7022.

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 510.818.7022. For more information about the Washington Hospital chapter of Mended Hearts, visit, connect.mendedhearts.org.