Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed for people who have experienced a major heart event such as heart attack, heart surgery, angioplasty or heart failure. When you participate, you learn about the changes you can make and the steps you can take to improve your heart health and get back to the activities of daily living.

At CHI Saint Joseph Health, our cardiac rehabilitation program provides individualized treatment plans that include exercise and lifestyle modification as well as education. Our multi-skilled team, which includes doctors, nurses, exercise physiologists, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians and behavioral therapists, work closely with you at every step. 

We’re committed to helping you recover faster and reducing your risk of future heart problems, with other benefits that may include:

• Improved fitness levels
• Relief of symptoms
• Maintaining a healthier weight
• Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• Reduced anxiety and/or depression
• Better control of diabetes
• Improved communication with your physician and other health care providers about your progress
• An empowering support network with other participants

Our cardiac rehab program, which is covered by many health insurance companies, requires a physician’s order. Ask your cardiologist or family physician for a referral or call 859.313.4793 for more information.

Our cardiac rehabilitation program follows three carefully designed phases to maximize your success:

This first phase begins when you’re still in the hospital following a cardiac event or procedure. A specialist from our cardiac rehabilitation staff performs a thorough evaluation and talks with you about heart disease, including the signs and symptoms to watch out for, do’s and don’ts when you go home and instructions on taking medications. We also discuss follow-up planning for transition to outpatient care and the next phase of cardiac rehabilitation. 

The second phase typically starts two weeks after a cardiac event or procedure. It includes:

• Focused education. We cover topics that are relevant to you and your health situation.
• Counseling. We talk with you about factors such as managing stress, which is one of the keys to successful recovery following a cardiac event or procedures. Our staff provides the support and encouragement that patients need for positive long-term outcomes.
• Exercise. Our state-of-the-art cardiac fitness centers feature advanced exercise equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights and a multi-gym weight system. While you exercise, experienced cardiac nurses provide heart monitoring and personalized supervision to ensure that you stay safe.

Patients typically attend cardiac rehabilitation three times a week during Phase II.

Beginning two to three months after a cardiac event or procedure, our cardiac rehabilitation patients have the option of participating in a low-cost, safe alternative to traditional gyms to help continue their recovery. Rehabilitation staff manages member compliance with lifestyle changes during regularly scheduled follow-up appointments and continued education.

Patients typically can exercise up to five times per week during Phase III.