Cardiac Rehabilitation ProgramMountainView Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program consists of a comprehensive team approach to help patients understand how to manage cardiac disease and improve overall health and quality of life. The goals of cardiac rehab are to increase functional capacity, strength and stamina, educate patients on the management of heart disease, identify and modify risk factors, and prevent of a worsening condition and life-long lifestyle modification.
Phase I – Inpatient Cardiac Rehab This phase begins in the hospital following a coronary event. It involves constant cardiac monitoring and continual assessment of the effects of interventions including medications and exercise. The immediate goals of Phase I are to clinically stabilize the patient, progress functional activities, ready the patient for discharge home and educate the patient and their family on cardiac disease management and secondary prevention.
Phase II – Outpatient Cardiac Rehab This phase begins two or three weeks after discharge from acute hospitalization. A cardiologist or primary care physician will write a referral for outpatient cardiac rehab when the patient is ready. The patient will gradually increase strength and endurance while participating in continuously monitored and supervised exercise sessions. A tailored exercise program will be designed to meet the patient’s needs with individual limitations taken into consideration. Educational classes will also be offered to provide information on lifestyle modification.
Phase II cardiac rehab is a medically monitored outpatient exercise program designed for those who have had a recent heart illness or surgery/procedure. This program includes regular exercise and risk factor modification to help you regain your confidence, strength and stamina while recovering. Participation consists of three exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks for a total of 36 sessions; each session usually last approximately one hour in length. Exercise sessions include four main components: warm up, aerobic exercise, strength training and a cool down.
During Phase II you are also given the opportunity to participate with other patients that have all been through some form of heart surgery or procedure such as yourself. This allows you the unique opportunity to talk to others in a relaxed setting and discuss issues that you have all encountered.
Phase III – Maintenance Program This phase consists of a continuation of the Phase II program. As a participant, the patient will be ECG monitored occasionally, with pre/post vitals taken daily to ensure stable heart functioning. Self-management of the exercise program will provide the patient with the opportunity to maintain strength and endurance. Education classes are also available. Phase III provides a safe and comfortable environment to continue lifestyle modifications.
For more information, contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at
575-556-6625.