Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Saddleback Heart Institute & Wellness Center is a comprehensive program designed to help patients with cardiovascular disease reach their optimal level of functioning and improve their quality of life. Our program of monitored exercise, education, counseling and behavior modification helps our patients manage heart disease and slow its progression.
Who Will Benefit
Individuals with the following conditions may benefit from our cardiac rehabilitation program:
- Angina pectoris (chest pain)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Coronary angioplasty/Atherectomy/Stent placement
- Heart transplant surgery
- Other cardiac-related diseases
Cardiac rehabilitation begins during the patient's in-hospital recovery following surgery or a cardiac event. Our nursing staff helps each cardiac patient devise a personal plan of risk-factor management and activity progression. A nurse from the cardiac rehabilitation program will visit the patient before his or her discharge to answer questions regarding recovery and prepare him or her for Phase II (outpatient) cardiac rehab.
Phase II (Outpatient)
The outpatient phase of cardiac rehab begins two-to-six weeks after discharge from the hospital. The patient attends one-hour outpatient sessions, two to three times per week.
- During Phase II of cardiac rehab:
- Patients will receive a thorough evaluation of their medical history and an individually designed exercise program. Methods of risk-factor reduction will be discussed.
- Patients will participate in aerobic conditioning activities including treadmills, bicycles and stair-steppers.
- Patients will use free-weights and a state-of-the-art weight training circuit to increase upper body strength.
- Cardiac rehab staff will continuously monitor the patient's heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure during activities.
- Education and counseling will continue with an emphasis on the importance of a low-fat diet. Cardiac rehab staff will measure body fat composition at orientation and graduation.
- The referring physician will receive reports on the patient's progress at six-week intervals.
Phase III (Maintenance)
This optional phase of cardiac rehab promotes the patient's independence within a structured exercise program. At the outpatient facility, patients exercise under the supervision of cardiac rehabilitation nurses three times a week during regular cardiac rehab hours. Pulse rate and blood pressure continue to be monitored.
Phase IV (Fitness First)
The final phase of cardiac rehab, Fitness First offers members the opportunity to exercise more independently. However, the patient's heart rate and blood pressure continue to be monitored. Located directly in view of the cardiac rehab facility, the Fitness First gym is open six days a week. Certified exercise technicians supervise the program and are available to answer questions and provide guidance. Patients may stay in the program as long as they wish to exercise in a supervised environment.
Our Healthcare Team
The Saddleback Heart Institute & Wellness Center's cardiac rehabilitation program is staffed by a group of healthcare professionals who design a healthy lifestyle for cardiac patients through a program of education and exercise. Nurses, registered dietitians, physical therapists, pharmacists and social workers teach classes.
Our specially trained registered nurses are an important part of the SHI & WC team. They work with patients and their personal physicians so that each patient's cardiac rehabilitation needs are met. For the safety and peace of mind of our patients, these nurses are trained and certified in advanced cardiac life support.
Getting Started
Patients must have a physician's referral to begin the cardiac rehabilitation program. Most insurance carriers will provide coverage for cardiac rehab.
