CARDIAC REHABILITATION
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a medically prescribed and supervised rehabilitation program for those individuals with a cardiac condition or who may be prone to heart disease due to risk factors. The 8-10 week outpatient program combines behavioral modification, health education classes, and monitored exercise to reduce cardiac risk factors. The program is a comprehensive, safe and effective way to aid the recovery process and reduce future cardiac risk.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Half a million people die each year from heart disease. Many people develop symptoms of CHD when they are in their 30's, 40's and 50's, interrupting a most productive time.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. In CHD, these arteries become blocked, decreasing blood flow and causing angina (chest pain), the need for bypass surgery, or angioplasty. When the artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), occurs. 250,000 suffer MIs each year.
Chances of a person developing CHD are increased when one or more risk factors is present. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, diabetes, a low activity level, obesity, stress, and age. More men than women develop heart disease, but it is the leading cause of death among women.
Cardiac rehabilitation is an important tool to fight CHD. Cardiac rehabilitation has three main features. The first is education. Patients and their families learn how to modify lifestyles to reduce their risk factors. Since CHD is life-style related and can be an inherited disease, it is important that the patient's spouse and children do all they can to decrease their own risk of heart disease.
The second feature of cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise program. Patients exercise at an individually prescribed level indicated by their medical history and personal goals. Heart rate, blood pressure, and Electrocardiogram may be monitored as they exercise. Patients gain confidence by being active in a medically supervised setting.
The third feature of cardiac rehabilitation program is support. Patients and their families benefit greatly from sharing experiences with others who are in a similar situation. They don't feel as alone in their fight against heart disease, and encourage each other to keep up the good work.
100,000 people participate in cardiac rehab in this country each year. Participants include those who had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, or coronary angioplasty, people with angina, heart arrhythmias, hypertension, or other risk factors. Most insurance plans cover all or part of an EKG-monitored exercise program. A physician's referral is needed to enter the exercise program. Close contact is kept with each patient's physician.
For more information about cardiac rehabilitation, contact:
Barbara Dalrymple BS, RN
Medical Rehabilitation Program Coordinator
603-924-4699, ext. 4061
Fitness Center Hours