Many people who have never had any other health conditions are shocked
to learn they have a heart condition, the reason being that heart issues
rarely come with warning symptoms. The good news is that it’s not
too late to turn things around.
A consistent program of heart-healthy exercise and lifestyle modification
is the key to successful cardiac rehabilitation. St. John’s Health
cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) provides progressive phases of
exercise under medical supervision and education for cardiac patients.
Our program is designed to provide a safe and monitored exercise environment
to enhance the recovery process. Patients exercise with ECG monitoring
as prescribed by their physician and as their condition warrants. Exercise
programs are specifically designed to meet the individual patient’s
needs and goals. Our cardiac rehabilitation staff is Advanced Cardiopulmonary
Life Support (ACLS) certified and our facility is fully equipped to handle
emergency situations. Individualized education to modify risk factors
is provided by health educators, nurses, physical therapists and other
health care providers.
Do I Need Cardiac Rehab?
If you have ever suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke,
or cardiac event, you may be an eligible candidate for cardiac rehab.
Even if you have had a cardiac operation like a balloon angioplasty, you
can still benefit from cardiac rehab. Cardiac procedures help to treat
your condition, but are not a cure. Instilling healthy habits is a must
to prevent heart disease from causing more problems.
How does the program work?
Our cardiac rehabilitation program consists of three important elements:
Cardiovascular exercise
Resistance and flexibility training
Group and/or individual education
Exercise is generally scheduled for three sessions per week for up to twelve
weeks. Each session includes continuous 3-lead ECG monitoring during exercise
as appropriate.
Cardiovascular exercise may include treadmill walking, bicycling and upper
body cycling. Resistance training with free weights and weight machines
increases functional capacity. Flexibility training is incorporated to
improve posture and function.
Education provided is based on cardiac diagnosis, individual needs and
personal risk factors.
How Do I Get Into the Program?
Please visit with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for cardiac
rehabilitation. Many insurance companies will cover this very important
part of your recovery. You will need a doctor’s prescription for
cardiac rehabilitation. Call
307.739.7628 for more information or to set up an appointment.
Jerry Jou, DOCardiovascular Disease - PediatricView Profile
