Rehabilitation

St. Mary's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program consists of three areas: Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III. Each of these programs is tailored to meet patients' special needs based upon their individual progress and recovery at each stage after their illness.

Cardiac Rehabilitation - Phase I
Phase I is an educational process when patients will learn specifically about coronary artery disease, what the healing process involves, and what you can expect both during and after recovery. The St. Mary's staff will work closely with each patient to develop an effective exercise program for recovery. Exercise often prevents additional complications and helps facilitate a more effective recovery. A patient will also learn helpful information about stress management, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation - Phase II
Phase II is an eight to twelve week outpatient program for patients recently discharged from the hospital, those who have just been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, and others at high risk for heart problems. One important aspect of the Phase II Program involves following a regular exercise program where blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and overall response are monitored by a registered nurse and exercise physiologist. Three times a week patients will participate in a rotation of various exercises which include a treadmill, stairs, arm and bike ergometer, as well as light dumbbell exercises. Patients will also participate in weekly health education sessions geared toward teaching ways to modify potential risk factors such as stress and dietary habits.

Cardiac Rehabilitation - Phase III
Phase III involves continued rehabilitation three times per week with a medically supervised exercise program. It is designed for patients who have progressed beyond the acute phase of recovery and no longer require continuous EKG monitoring while exercising. With the continued exercise and education in Phase III, patients receive reinforcement about the necessary lifestyle changes needed for a successful recovery. All cardiac rehabilitation program enrollment is by physician referral for people who have had a heart attack, surgery, or are experiencing symptoms of coronary artery disease.

For more information about St. Mary's Cardiac Rehabilitation, please contact your physician, or call (865) 545-8776.