After all the high-tech tests, procedures and surgeries are done, we continue to help each of our heart and vascular patients heal and adjust to a healthy new way of life through our rehabilitation programs. We do this because we know heart care involves more than just medicine; it involves people who want to see you recover and enjoy life to the fullest.
Mercyhealth's cardiac rehabilitation program is a comprehensive exercise, education and support program for those at risk for cardiovascular disease or for those recovering from a recent heart event or procedure.
Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you:
- Take control of your health by giving you the tools to better manage your risk factors of cardiovascular disease
- Improve your quality of life by helping you move better, do more and function better
Cardiac rehab phases
Reviewed 9/7/2022
7 FACTS & MYTHS ABOUT CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Cardiac rehabilitation is a good idea for almost anyone who's had a heart event, surgery or procedure. Cardiac rehab teaches you how to avoid further heart problems.
Cardiac rehab has proven health benefits. Unfortunately, many people who are eligible for the program don't take part.
Read up on some of the myths and facts about cardiac rehab below. If you think you or a family member might benefit, ask your doctor about the program.
FACT: You need a referral from your doctor for cardiac rehab.
You may benefit from a referral to cardiac rehab if you’ve experienced one or more of the following:
- Heart attack.
- Heart condition such as coronary artery disease, angina or heart failure.
- Heart procedure or surgery such as angioplasty, valve replacement or bypass surgery.
If your doctor hasn’t brought up cardiac rehab, ask about it at your next visit.
MYTH: Health insurance doesn’t usually cover cardiac rehab.
Medicare and most other insurance providers pay for cardiac rehab for people who are eligible for it. If you're a candidate for rehab, talk to your medical team and your insurance provider to find out if it's covered.
FACT: Regular exercise is an important part of cardiac rehab.
A cardiac rehab specialist will design a physical activity program tailored to your abilities. You will be closely monitored throughout to make sure your heart is handling the load.
Other vital parts of cardiac rehab include:
- Heart-healthy eating.
- Stress reduction.
- Quitting smoking.
- Drug therapy.
MYTH: You can be too old to benefit from cardiac rehab.
Cardiac rehab is about more than living longer. It’s about living a high-quality life right now. Ask your doctor how cardiac rehab can be customized to your age and abilities.
FACT: The main goal of cardiac rehab is to help keep you from developing or dying from heart problems.
Cardiac rehab can:
- Lower the risk for a second heart attack or surgery.
- Reduce your overall risk of dying or having a future cardiac event.
- Help you manage risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Help you lose weight.
- Lessen chest pain.
MYTH: Cardiac rehab is only about improving physical health.
In addition to helping your body, cardiac rehab will also help you address the emotional aspects of having a heart problem or recovering after surgery. Your rehab team may include specialists like mental health professionals or social workers who focus specifically on this.
MYTH: Cardiac rehab is something you’ll do for the rest of your life.
Though the exact program will vary according to your needs, cardiac rehab usually lasts around three months, with sessions occurring several times a week.
Learn more about your heart
Visit our Heart Health topic center to learn more about taking care of your heart.
Sources
- American College of Cardiology. "Cardiac Rehabilitation." (graphic) https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/cardiac-rehabilitation/assets/infographic/cardiac-rehabilitation.
- American College of Cardiology. "Cardiac Rehabilitation." https://www.cardiosmart.org/topics/cardiac-rehabilitation.
- American Heart Association. "Am I Eligible for Cardiac Rehab?" https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/am-i-eligible-for-cardiac-rehab.
- American Heart Association. "Cardiac Rehab: Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/cardiac-rehab-faq.
- American Heart Association. "Just 1 in 4 Medicare Recipients Participate in Cardiac Rehab." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/01/14/just-1-in-4-medicare-recipients-participate-in-cardiac-rehab.
Mercyhealth offers a multi-phase program.
Phase I begins while you are in the hospital. Our exercise physiologists give you basic guidelines on starting a home exercise program, how to check your heart rate and some lifestyle restrictions because of your heart event. We'll also review your personal risk factors for heart disease and discuss ways to decrease or control those risk factors.
Once released from the hospital, you will begin an outpatient program that includes structured, monitored exercise and education. During Phase II, you’ll learn about your heart condition, how to be proactive in improving your heart condition and risk factors, how to exercise properly, and how your body will respond to exercise. Phase II typically lasts anywhere from six to 12 weeks and meets up to three days a week for 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
Once you have graduated from Phase II, you can exercise on your own or continue in our Phase III (transition) exercise program. This program includes supervised exercise with staff helping you to transition to a more independent exercise program. This program also meets up to three times a week. You usually stay in this program for approximately four weeks.
Some of our Mercyhealth sites are able to offer a Phase IV program. This program is an independent exercise program and is much like attending a gym. Most patients are ready for this program after a month of Phase III. This program typically meets 3-5 days a week.
Cardiac rehab cost
Most insurance companies cover the cost of cardiac rehab for six to 12 weeks. Participating in one of the maintenance programs (Phase III/IV) includes a nominal fee.
Cardiac rehab support
Your family and friends are a very important support system for you. Their help and encouragement can be vital in your recovery process. We encourage your family to get involved in the exercise programs and attend education classes covering stress management, the emotional aspects of heart disease, exercise guidelines, anatomy and physiology of the heart, medications, risk factors, and a heart-healthy diet.
Learn more
To learn more about these services, call the cardiac rehabilitation center nearest you.