Diagnosis of a heart problem or a sudden heart attack is often followed by fear and anxiety. Through extensive education and a monitored exercise program, McLeod Health Cardiac Rehab patients increase capacity for work and play, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, reduce body fat, improve overall muscle tone and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Phase 1 of Cardiac Rehab starts while patients are still in the hospital, meeting with a Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, who explains heart disease and assesses risk factors. Then, progressive, monitored activity puts patients back on their feet and on the road to recovery in Phases 2, 3 and 4.
Cardiac Rehabilitation services are available at the following McLeod Health hospitals:
You learn more about nutrition, weight control, exercise, stress, medications and other health concerns. You participate in three monitored exercise sessions each week with activities, such as treadmill walking, stationary cycling and rowing. Phase 2 typically lasts eight weeks.
After completing Phase 2 (or if you are at a high risk for heart disease), Phase 3 continues Rehab with supervised, structured exercise. Each week incorporates three supervised exercise sessions along with regular educational sessions.
After Phase 3, many patients continue exercising without supervision. Those with acceptable progress can access the many fitness programs offered by:
However, for those people with a continuing need of medical supervised exercise, they’ll find it in Phase 4.
Vascular Rehabilitation is a walking program that is a part of the Cardiac Rehabilitation program offered at McLeod. Patients referred to McLeod Vascular Rehabilitation will work with a team of health care professionals, who will develop an individualized walking program designed to meet the goals and needs of the participant.
READ MOREThe McLeod Vascular Rehabilitation program can: