Phase II - Outpatient Cardiac Rehab

The outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program uses a structured exercise program to help the patient regain their physical strength.  After completing the program most patients are able to return to work and resume their normal activities such as housework, yard work and gardening, golfing, fishing and hunting, etc.

The outpatient program also uses education sessions to help the patient recognize the signs and symptoms of their disease and modify their lifestyle to reduce the risk of having another cardiac event.

Exercise
The primary component of the outpatient cardiac rehab program is participation in a supervised exercise program.  After an initial assessment from the cardiac rehab staff, you will be given a structured exercise regimen (or prescription) designed to optimize your physical conditioning and strength.  The prescription is based on your physical condition, medical limitations and desired goals for participating in the program. The regimen is gradually increased until you are exercising 30-40 minutes a day Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  The program may last as long as 12 weeks but you may reach your goals before then and be discharged into a home exercise program or decide to participate in the Adult Wellness Program.

To ensure that you are exercising under the safest possible conditions, the staff will monitor your heart rate and rhythm constantly during exercise.  They will also monitor your blood pressure before, during, and after exercise.  In the unlikely event you should need medical attention, the rehab department is equipped with the appropriate medical equipment to deal with cardiac emergencies.  All staff members supervising your exercise session are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and other medical professions (including physicians) are available if additional assistance is needed.   

Education
In addition to exercise, education is an important part of preventing future cardiac events.  Upon admission into the program, you will be assessed for your educational needs. Once your specific needs are identified, a variety of health care professional such as pharmacists, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and physicians will provide you with the education you need to lead a healthier life.  Since most patients need to be educated on the same topics, education sessions are usually provided in small to moderate size groups.  Some of the most common topics include:  modifying your diet, recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, understanding heart disease, dealing with stress and depression, smoking cessation, high blood pressure, diabetes, exercising at home, and weight reduction.

Risk Factor Modification
All known risk factors except heredity can be controlled or reduced with a combination or risk factor modification and medication. Risk factor modification  (including smoking cessation, changes in diet, control of hypertension, reduction of stress levels, regular exercise, weight reduction and improvement of blood lipid levels) is an important part of reducing the risk of future cardiac events.  The cardiac rehab staff will work with you to address your specific risk factors and provide the education and resources necessary to modify your lifestyle.

To significantly reduce your risk of future events you must make a lifestyle change.  Exercise alone is not enough.