Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation has received Re-Certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The AACVPR Program Certification is recognized as the standard for quality in the delivery of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. In order to obtain certification, the program must submit extensive patient data and must prove positive outcome measures.
Currently only an estimated 1400 Cardiac and/or Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs out of approximately 3000 (less than 50%) hold this elite certification. Cardiac Rehab first obtained initial certification in 2005.
With a physician referral you are eligible for this component (cardiac rehab) if, in the preceding 12 months, you have had:
- heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
- coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- heart failure (EF of 35% or less)
- chronic angina
- heart valve repair or replacement
- PTCA or coronary stenting
- heart or lung transplant
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a physician supervised, nurse monitored program that meets 3 times per week for 8-12 weeks depending on diagnosis and participant's eligibility. Individual exercise prescriptions are determined based on participant's ability and condition.
Specially trained nurses, exercise physiologist, respiratory therapists and others monitor the participant's heart rhythm, heart rate and blood pressure during exercise therapy. In addition to exercise, participants are provided with individualized education sessions from professionals that are aimed at heart disease risk factor modification. The focus of this program is on preventing complications related to heart disease and lifestyle education and modification.