If you are diagnosed with heart disease or recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, you may receive cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) at Southwest Health Center. Cardiac Rehab Phase II may be covered by private insurance, Medicare, or self-pay. Coverage will be determined prior to or at the time of admission to the program.

Cardiac rehab is a supervised program of increasing exercise, mental support, and training to allow a person with a heart condition to resume normal activity. The greatest benefit to the cardiac patient is reducing the potential for a new heart attack by modifying risk factors. Other benefits include a personalized exercise program, education about cardiac medications, lowering cholesterol through good nutrition and physical exercise, and preparing to return to work.

CARDIAC REHABILITATION PHASE II
is an outpatient service designed for the patient with coronary artery disease or risk factors for its development. It includes clinically-supervised monitored exercise, psycho-social support, and education on risk factor modification. The primary goals of Phase II are to enhance cardio-vascular function, detect problems that may develop with exercise, educate on lifestyle modification, and prepare the patient to return to work, as well as to normal family and social roles. Phase II begins one to six weeks after hospital discharge.

Sessions are held three times per week, with session length being determined by the patient’s needs. Sessions are designed to reinforce principles taught during Phase I hospitalization, facilitate monitored exercise times, and allow for one-on-one education.

CARDIAC REHABILITATION PHASE III

is an outpatient service designed for the client after completion of Phase II Rehab. This is a self-pay program. The primary goals of Phase III are to improve physical fitness, to promote a feeling of wellbeing, and to reduce risk of a recurring event.

Our specialized Cardiac Rehab team includes:

Medical Director
Dietician
Referring Physician
Physical Therapist
Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse
Physical Therapy Assistant
Stress Management Educator

Support services are also provided by:

Respiratory Therapist
Social Worker
Psychiatrist
Pharmacist

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for nearly 50% of all deaths. One million survivors of heart attacks are potential candidates for cardiac rehabilitation, as are the more than seven million people who have experienced other cardiac events, including:

Medically stable post myocardial infarction
Stable angina
Post coronary bypass graft surgery
Angioplasty
Congestive heart failure
Cardiomyopathy
Post heart transplant
Post valve replacement
Post pacemaker or AICD
At risk for coronary artery disease due to multiple risk factors

To participate in the Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, your physician will initiate a referral. We also accept referrals from other hospitals/facilities.

Risk Factors for a Heart Attack:

Smoking
Physical inactivity
High cholesterol
Excessive weight
High blood pressure
Diabetes