Regional Health Services of Howard County offers Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II and Phase III.

Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation at RHSHC is a medically monitored exercise program prescribed by a physician and designed for those who have had a recent heart event, illness, or surgery/procedure.  This program combines physical exercise with risk factor modification to help with recovery while strengthening your body and improving quality of life. Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation is a maintenance exercise program for patients who have completed Phase II and wish to continue their exercise routines at RHSHC.

 

What can I expect?

During rehab sessions, heart rhythms are continuously monitored and blood pressures are measured throughout each exercise session.  Sessions are set up three times per week for twelve weeks and last approximately 45 minutes. Cardiac rehab also provides an educational component that teaches patients how to live with their heart disease as well as how to manage this, and also how to prevent future heart events and hospitalizations. Some of the education topics include:

  • Risk factor modification
  • Nutrition
  • Medications
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Exercise safety and importance
  • Cholesterol and blood pressure management

All of our cardiac rehab patients at RHSHC also have the opportunity for two consultations which are included in the cardiac rehab program: a private consultation with the hospital’s dietitian and a private consultation with one of the hospital’s pharmacists.

Benefits of the Regional Health Services Cardiac Rehabilitation program are to give patients a safe and effective way to improve their quality of life by:

  • Increasing overall strength and endurance
  • Recovering quicker in order to return to important life activities
  • Reducing stress and risks of future heart problems
  • Incorporating regular exercise into everyday lifestyle
  • Living healthier and longer

           
Olivia Christopher, RRT and Abby Brincks, RN – CardioPulmonary Department

 

Who Can Participate?

Men and women of all ages can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation.  Covered diagnoses for this type of exercise program include:

  • Heart attack
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Heart valve replacement/repair
  • Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or stent placement
  • Stable angina
  • Heart transplant
  • Stable congestive heart failure (with EF of <35%)

A physician referral is required to become involved in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program.

 

Financial Consideration/Insurance Coverage

Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield along with most major medical insurance carriers pay for a portion of the cost.  Each client should contact his/her health insurance company to determine coverage.

For more information concerning our program, please call Abby Brincks, RN, at 563-547-6671 or Regional Health Services of Howard County at 563-547-2101 and ask for the CardioPulmonary department.