Cardiac Rehabilitation Phases

Phase I – Inpatient

Cardiac rehabilitation begins during in-hospital recovery following surgery or a cardiac event. The first phase is conducted by an exercise physiologist. Before each cardiac patient is discharged, questions regarding personal recovery are answered, and preparation for the second phase of cardiac rehabilitation takes place.

Phase I includes:

Monitored hall walking program.
Education about coronary artery disease, the need for aerobic exercise and the fundamentals of exercise. An outline of the symptoms of exercise intolerance, and a home walking program.
Personal plan of risk-factor management and activity progression.

Phase II – Outpatient

The outpatient phase of cardiac rehabilitation begins two to six weeks after discharge from the hospital. The second phase is conducted by an RN and exercise specialist. The patient attends one-hour outpatient sessions, two to three times per week.

Phase II includes:

Up to 36 sessions of EKG monitored exercise (Two to three sessions per week, one hour per session).
Blood pressure and heart rates monitored.
Exercise performed on treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, stairmasters and light weight-lifting.
Individual dietary consultation.

Phase III – Outpatient Maintenance

This optional phase of cardiac rehabilitation promotes independence within a structured exercise program. The third phase is conducted by an exercise physiologist in consultation with the program director. At the outpatient facility, cardiac patients exercise under supervision two times a week during regular facility hours. Pulse rate and blood pressure continue to be monitored.

Phase III includes:

Two sessions per week, one hour per session.
Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.