Cardiac Rehabilitation
This program helps participants to achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle and reduce their cardiovascular risk factors. Our program is directed by a board-certified cardiologist. Each exercise session is supervised by a registered nurse and/or an exercise physiologist with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Benefits
Our team of professionals, including our medical director, registered nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, physical therapists, and social workers, are available to help you achieve these benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation:
- Improved functional abilities
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced lifestyle-related risks
- Increased knowledge of the disease process and prevention strategies
- Increased ability to perform tasks of daily living
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Increased adherence to healthy lifestyle choices
Program Phases
Cardiac rehabilitation staff will visit you, explain the program, discuss risk factors, education, and answer any questions you may have regarding the program.
Phase I is an outpatient program and begins 1-3 weeks after you are discharged from the hospital. This program requires a physician referral which we can help you obtain. The Phase II program meets for one hour, three times per week for generally 12 weeks (36 sessions). Participants wear a cardiac monitor so the staff can monitor the heart's response to exercise.
Phase II of the Cardiac Rehabilitation program is also outpatient and is a maintenance program. The participants no longer wear a cardiac monitor and are considered more independent. Participants are responsible for setting their own exercise goals and learning how to design their own exercise program. Participants are still under the supervision of the cardiac rehab staff.
Participants improve their ability to function and increase their endurance while enhancing their knowledge with video, education sessions and one-on-one discussions with health professionals.
Program Education Topics
Education topics covered during the program include:
- Understanding coronary heart disease
- Blood pressure reduction
- Cholesterol reduction
- Smoking cessation
- Benefits of exercise
- Home exercise guidelines
- Nutritional counseling/classes
- Stress management
- Understanding angina
- Diabetes and exercise
- Understanding medications
More Information
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department is located on the second floor of UM Charles Regional Medical Center on 2 West. A physician referral is needed for outpatient segments of the program.
The Program Coordinator can answer any questions you may have regarding the program. For more information, please call 301-609-4391.
To make an appointment please call 301-609-4413.