Like other muscles of the body, the heart weakens if not conditioned appropriately. Cardiac rehabilitation offers a structured approach to strengthening the heart. As an added bonus, it improves overall physical fitness and quality of life.

Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients recover from myocardial infarction (heart attack), PTCA, stent procedures and open-heart surgery. Individuals with multiple coronary risk factors are also prime candidates for rehabilitation, even if they haven’t yet experienced a cardiac event.

Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Phase 1—In-Hospital Rehabilitation
The primary goal of inpatient rehabilitation is to reduce your anxiety about the condition of your heart. Progression to low-level activity and education are emphasized. An in-hospital exercise program helps you overcome the effects of bed rest.

Phase 2—Outpatient Rehabilitation
The primary goal of outpatient cardiac rehab is to help you return to an active, productive lifestyle. This phase usually begins at the rehabilitation center shortly after discharge from the hospital. It includes:

• An exercise tolerance test to determine the workloads you can handle.
• Development and initiation of your personalized exercise program.
• Continuous monitoring of your heart during exercise sessions.
• Education and risk factor modification.

Phase 3—Maintenance
The medical staff of The Heart Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Center designs a fitness program that fits your lifestyle. Its primary goal is to make exercise an easy part of your daily routine. Phase 3 cardiac rehab is usually one to three months in duration followed by a lifetime program which can be carried out individually at Deaconess Hospital Fitness Center, at home or at another exercise facility.

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