Experiencing a heart attack or developing heart disease can be frightening and mark a significant change in your life. The good news is that many heart-related problems can be treated, and further problems can often be prevented.
Wesley's outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services help people with heart disease continue their recovery by achieving a healthy, active lifestyle and restoring the heart to its highest possible level of functioning. Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, especially as we get older. That's why the education and support provided by a rehabilitation program is especially important.

Cardiac rehabilitation is usually appropriate for patients who:

• Have experienced a heart attack or chest pain;
• Have undergone a procedure such as balloon angioplasty or stent implantation;
• Have had cardiac bypass or valve surgery.

The exercise, education and nutrition components of the program teach:

• The causes of heart disease, how to prevent heart disease, and how treatment affects bodily systems;
• How to recondition the heart and other muscle groups;
• How to establish a safe and effective exercise program;
• How to enhance quality of life by managing stress, smoking, diet, etc. more effectively.

The outpatient program

The outpatient program begins seven to 10 days after leaving the hospital. It includes three, one-hour visits to Health Strategies each week. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored at the beginning, middle and end of each exercise session, while a pocket-sized monitor records heart rhythm and rate during exercise. A variety of exercises using stationary bicycles, treadmills, weights and specialized devices for upper-body conditioning are practiced.

Education about risk factors and lifestyle changes is provided throughout the program, either one-on-one with the staff or in a classroom setting.

At the end of the program, patients can continue exercising in a supervised program at Health Strategies or individually. The most important thing is to make appropriate exercise a lifelong habit!

Insurance payment

Many insurance companies provide reimbursement for a six-to 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program. Insurance plans vary, so contact your insurance company before your first cardiac rehab session to determine the extent of coverage. If insurance does not cover outpatient cardiac rehab, a self-pay program is available.

Referral

If you think you might benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, please discuss it with your doctor. For answers to other questions about the cardiac rehabilitation program at Health Strategies or to schedule an orientation, please call (316) 962-8091 or 962-8048.