Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is professionally supervised and designed to help participants recover from a cardiac event. Our goal is to help improve your exercise tolerance and physical strength so you can do the things you love without constant concern for your heart! We also provide education on topics such as reducing cardiac risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle.
There are three phases to cardiac rehabilitation.
Phase 1: Initiated during your hospital stay due to a cardiac event. Cardiac staff will discuss your cardiac health, provide education and collaborate with you to develop a plan to recover. Part of the plan could include Phase 2 or Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Phase 2: Our outpatient Cardiac Rehab program at WVMC is designed for participants who have had a cardiac event in the past 12 months such as a:
- heart attack within preceding 12 months
- heart valve replacement or repair
- percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and/or coronary stenting
- certain classifications of congestive heart failure
- current stable angina pectoris
- heart transplant
The program is designed to help patients recover from the cardiac event by following a prescribed exercise program. Routine heart monitoring will occur during each session. Most insurance plans cover Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab, co-pays and deductibles will apply.
Phase 3: Our maintenance program is designed for participants who have completed Phase 2 or who have significant risk factors for heart disease. This program allows participants to exercise in a structured and safe environment. Insurance does not cover this phase and there is a nominal fee per session.
Our staff includes registered nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. We are present to guide you through the exercise program and to help you embrace heart healthy habits that will have a lasting impact on your life.