Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac Rehabilitation programs are designed to help people who have cardiovascular disease or who are at a high risk of developing this disease. Cardiac Rehabilitation assists individuals to reach and maintain their highest level of health through a guided regimen of exercise and positive lifestyle change.

What does Touro's program offer?

Touro’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program consists of two outpatient phases of rehabilitation:

PHASE II CARDIAC REHAB consists of 12 weeks of exercise and education supervised by Cardiovascular Nurses and an Exercise Specialist. During Phase II, the Nurse interviews patients and an individualized exercise and education program is planned. Patients are asked to attend exercise sessions three times a week. Heart rhythms are monitored during the exercise sessions as are blood pressure and physical exertion. Learning sessions in exercise, nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation, weight control and behavior modification are conducted by the health care team. Exercise sessions take place in the Fitness Center (A5) and are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.

PHASE III CARDIAC REHAB is a maintenance program designed to assure continuation of proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle adjustment. Health education and a regular exercise regimen with blood pressure monitoring before and after exercises are continued during this phase.



AM I A CANDIDATE FOR CARDIAC REHAB?

Persons who may benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation include those who have had or currently have: bypass surgery, valve surgery, heart transplant, heart attack,  stable angina, angioplasty, stent placement, and/or vascular disease.

HOW DO I JOIN THE PROGRAM?

Patients must have the recommendation of a physician in order to be accepted into the program. An exercise stress test may be required at the beginning of the program.


WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THIS PROGRAM?
Phase II is generally covered by insurance companies. Phase III, the maintenance phase, is a reasonable cost program. A check of primary insurance will be made on all applicants prior to the beginning the program.



Benefits of Cardiac Rehab


The four principal benefits cardiac patients receive include:

1. Information - Patients receive complete, accurate information about all aspects of cardiovascular disease.

2. Confidence - Patients will feel self-confident knowing what they can or should not do in their daily living and with their exercise regime.

3. Optimal Function - Patients will make faster progress toward their optimal level of lifestyle.

4. Prevention - Patients will make those necessary lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of future heart problems.


For more information about the Cardiac Rehab Program at Touro Infirmary, call (504) 897-8180.