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Cardiac Rehab
Cardiac rehabilitation is a four-phased program designed to help the patient help his or her heart. Specially trained staff members develop an individualized exercise and education program with the ultimate goal of strengthening the heart and improving the quality of life of each participant. Cardiac rehabilitation participants remain under the care of their physician with periodic progress reports communicated by the registered nurse who supervises the participant's progress.
People who have had a heart attack or cardiac surgery (coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty or heart transplant) are good candidates for the cardiac rehabilitation program. Also, individuals who are at high risk for coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries), or those who have had other heart or heart/lung problems, are eligible for participation in the program. All participants must be referred by their physician for entry into the program.
Each phase addresses specific needs and progression is dependent upon the participant's individual progress.
Phase 1 is a supervised, electronically monitored inpatient rehabilitation program. This program is conducted during the patient's hospital stay.
Phase 2 is a supervised, electronically monitored outpatient rehabilitation program. This program begins following a patient's release from the hospital and includes sessions three times a week.
Phase 3 is a supervised, unmonitored exercise rehabilitation program. This program helps the participant maintain good health habits and the exercise schedule is more flexible. This program may last six weeks (three visits per week).
Phase 4 is a supervised, unmonitored exercise rehabilitation program. This is a maintenance program in which a desired level of exercise is achieved and maintained for life. This program lasts as long as the participant chooses.
Patients will also complete educational classes about cardiac risk factors, dietary guidelines, exercise and stress management. These are important aspects that have an influence on the heart and its condition.
Visit with your physician if you feel you may benefit from this program. For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Prairie Lakes Hospital, call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 605-882-7853. For more information about our Pulmonary Rehabilitaion Services, click here.
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