What is Cardiac Rehab?
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Ransom Memorial Hospital
is a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular
health in persons who heart function is impaired. Patients enrolled
in the program are given support and guidance in achieving cardiovascular
fitness through exercise and nutrition. The goals of the program
are:
- To increase exercise tolerance and overall strength, stamina
and flexibility
- To decrease anxiety and enhance self-confidence
- To make lifestyle changes which help control cardiac risk
factors (obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol
levels, smoking and stress).
- To gain confidence and a sense of security needed to resume
normal activities.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is flexible, allowing patients
to follow an exercise plan tailored to their capabilities and
requirements.
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How does the program work?
Participants in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program receive one-on-one
instruction and encouragement from Program Staff. Areas that are
covered include:
- Reducing the potential of a new heart attack through risk
factor modification.
- Recognizing heart disease signs and symptoms, and when to
seek medical treatment.
- Recovering from heart disease.
- Beginning a personalize exercise program that is effective,
safe, and appropriate for your health, age, and physical ability.
- Understanding your cardiac medications.
- Dietary education.
- Lowering your cholesterol through good nutrition and physical
activity.
- Progressing your physical activity at work and leisure.
- Starting a home exercise program and purchasing exercise equipment.
- Preparing for your return to work.
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Who can participate in the program?
To become eligible for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, a
patient should obtain authorization from his or her personal physician.
The program is ideally suited to persons who have undergone a
heart attack, cardiovascular bypass surgery, angioplasty or other
major heart conditions within the past 12 months.
A physician advisor directs the program; specially trained registered
nurses provide patient education and assist during exercise sessions.
The staff will evaluate the patient’s progress, overall
strength and flexibility to aid in planning an individual exercise
program. A written record is kept of daily sessions, and the patient’s
personal physician receives written progress reports.
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Will my insurance pay for the program?
Cardiac Rehabilitation has been approved by Medicare and may
be covered by private insurance carriers. Patients not insured
by Medicare may wish to review their policy or contact their insurance
company to confirm coverage for this service.
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Cardiac Phase III Program
The Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation program allows patients
to continue their exercise program at the hospital. The patient
receives instructions from hospital staff as to what level of
exercise they should be participating in, what their target heart
rate should be, and the signs and symptoms of exercise intolerance.
Limited monitoring from the staff is also provided. Participants
are responsible for paying the fee for this program.
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