Phase I - The Hospital Setting

The first phase begins while the patient is in the hospital for cardiac diagnostic testing or after a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty. Introductory educational materials are provided, and supervised progressive activity is enacted.

Phase II - Outpatient Rehab

The second phase is a monitored exercise program conducted on an outpatient basis in the cardiac rehab area of the OCH HealthPlex. Rehab sessions are every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Phase II last about 3 months or 36 sessions, focusing on continued education and supervised exercise. Each participant's blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac rhythm is monitored closely throughout each exercise session, which is based upon your personal capability and health status.

Phase III - Maintenance Program

After completing Phase II, participants continue exercising three times a week through a maintenance program with limited supervision to encourage independence. Rehab sessions meet for one hour between 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Health care professionals monitor each participant's blood pressure before and after exercise, and obtain telemetry strips once a week. Exercise instructors are available to assist as needed.

How To Enter The Cardiac Rehab Program

• Contact the cardiac rehab department at 615-2625 for an appointment.

• Your physician will then be contacted for approval and to obtain necessary medical history and records.

• Program Expense

Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation is reimbursed by Medicare Part B and by most insurance companies. Contact your employer or insurance company to determine the extent of your coverage. If insurance coverage is not available, a payment plan can be obtained through the hospital's business office.

Comprehensive Risk Reduction Program

This is a supervised education and exercise program for persons with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke or peripheral vascular disease.  The purpose of the program is to assist the person in achieving their optimal health status, so they can improve their quality of life and do the things that are important to them.  Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Exercise:  Monthly reports will be sent to your physician. Blood pressure and heart rate will be taken before, during and after each exercise session.  We use a variety of equipment including Nustep, recumbent bike, arm ergometer, treadmill, walking track, therabands and light hand weights.  The equipment routine is designed upon your capabilities and is easy on your knees.

Education:  Information is provided by the American Heart Association, Diabetes Association and Stroke Association. We cover topics on nutrition, weight management, blood pressure control, diabetes management, stroke reconditioning and prevention and lifestyle modifications.

Program Cost:  This is a self pay program of $48.00 per month

For more information on either of these programs, please
contact Liz Varco, RN, Director of Cardiac Rehab,
at (662) 615-2625.