February 17, 2010
Cardiac Rehab
By Cathy K. Larson, MS, Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
Inside the Cardiac Rehabilitation area, you're likely to hear the hum of treadmills and recumbent bicycles. You're also likely to hear the sounds of life and laughter.
Each year, the Avera Sacred Heart Cardiac Rehab facility is responsible for helping patients pedal their way back to good health. The 4 to 12-week program is a critical process for recovering heart patients.
We average 1000 patient visits per year to our cardiac rehabilitation program.
The American Heart Association reports that coronary heart disease kills 500,000 each year. In 2010, it is estimated that 785,000 will have their first heart attack and 470,000 will have a recurrent heart attack.
Every minute someone will die of a heart attack.
The good news is that the prognosis for many of those patients is promising. In fact, with proper exercise and nutrition, many heart attack patients resume full and active lives.
Heart trouble changes everything. Diet, exercise, activities, old habits - nearly every corner of one's life is touched by the sobering experience of a heart attack or a diagnosis of heart disease. Then come the questions: "How bad am I?"; "What can I do to get better?"; "How can I make sure this doesn't happen again?"
Cardiac rehab can make a change for the better. Cardiac rehabilitation is a program concerned with the full development of each cardiac patient's physical, mental, social, spiritual and vocational potential. It is a heart monitored exercise and education program designed to be a positive experience. If you have had a heart attack, open heart surgery, angioplasty, stenting or have a diagnosis of heart disease, you are a candidate.
No one can make you change your ways - it's completely up to you. But, with self-determination in place, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program provides all the other tools you'll need to rebuild your health.
What is cardiac rehab all about?
The overall goal of the program is to assist individuals in returning to a more healthful, productive lifestyle and prevent further progression of cardiac disease. Before you are enrolled in the program you will need a referral from your physician.
Avera Cardiac Rehabilitation has patients ranging in age from 28 to 92. The exercise class runs for approximately 60 minutes, three times a week. Patients are given an individualized exercise prescription and have their heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure monitored throughout the program. Exercise equipment is utilized to improve cardiovascular strength and endurance. Education focuses on controlling cardiac risk factors highlighting nutrition, exercise guidelines, smoking cessation, stress management and blood pressure control, blood sugar control and medications. Patients are also instructed on the signs and symptoms of heart disease, and when to seek medical attention. We also provide a user-friendly CPR class.
Program benefits include:
- Increased energy and enhanced self-awareness and confidence
- Meeting other heart patients in a friendly, supportive environment
- Strengthens heart muscles and improves blood flow to the heart
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
- Promotes weight loss and reduces stress
- Diabetic prevention and management
- Increased muscle tone and flexibility
Our program became certified this year through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This national association sets forth rigorous standards to ensure top quality patient care.
Cardiac Rehabilitation week is February 14th through the 20th. The theme this year is
"Building a Strong Heart. You can do it. We can help."
The American Association offers a wealth of information. Heart360 is a great tool to track and manage heart health.
If you have been through our program and feel yourself slipping in your exercise habits, ask about our Phase III and Phase IV maintenance programs.
For more information about cardiac rehabilitation, don't hesitate to call at 668-8037. We are located in the Wellness Center which is on the second floor of the Avera Surgery Center Building.
