Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac Rehab at Sky Ridge Medical Center

We believe that education and exercise is key to heart health. Our experienced Cardiac Rehab team provides medically supervised rehabilitation to help our heart patients recovery quickly while improving their overall physical and mental well being.

We help our patients reverse symptoms and maximize heart function through individually designed programs. Our goal is to help our patients return to their best performance and independence as quickly as possible, enhancing their quality of life. A Mayo Clinic study shows that cardiac rehab, "helps decrease mortality by 45 to 47 percent" compared to patients who don't get involve.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Manage your heart health
• Gain strength and stamina
• Perform daily activities with less effort
• Return to work faster
• Lower blood pressure
• Control stress
• Improve self-confidence and emotional health
• Exercise in a safe, medically supervised gym

Cardiac Rehabilitation Phases

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (Phase I)

Phase I is for patients in the hospital who are recovering from heart surgery. Phase I focuses on:

• Educating patients about their heart medications
• Helping patients begin a simple exercise program
• Maintaining an ongoing evaluation of your heart health

Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (Phase II and Phase III)

Phase II: A cardiac rehabilitation nurse evaluates patients, and this assessment is used to develop a more active exercise plan. The patient’s EKG and vital signs are monitored.

Phase III: Our program staff helps patients continue regular vital sign-monitored exercise and risk-management activities.

Phase I and Phase II cardiac rehabilitation may be covered by your insurance. Phase III is self-pay.

Heart Healthy Nutrition

Eating well is an important part of your journey to a healthier heart. As part of our Cardiac Rehab program, we offer the follow three nutrition classes:

Heart Healthy Eating Class: This introductory class reviews the food guide pyramid, explaining each food group as well as portion control. Fiber and the anatomy of a grain are reviewed in length.

Fat and Cholesterol Class: Second in our series. We discuss types of fat, how to reduce fat intake and make wise food choices. Cholesterol is defined and reviewed including ways to naturally decrease cholesterol through food.

Sodium Class: The last session. Here we define sodium, how much is needed and the sources of sodium. “Hands on” label reading is a key component, and we discuss eating out and ways to reduce sodium intake.

For more information, please call 720-225-1318.