The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Reedsburg Area Medical Center is designed to help you, the cardiac patient, take an active role in your recovery process.
Research has proven that people who maintain an active lifestyle, eat healthy foods, manage stress and quit smoking can reduce their chances of dying from heart disease.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team can help you learn how to make important lifestyle changes—changes that will improve your quality of life while preventing the chance of future heart complications.
Who can participate?
Patients who may benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation include individuals with coronary artery disease, or have had a heart attack, cardiac arrest, angioplasty, congestive heart failure, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, heart transplant, ventricular arrhythmias, congenital heart defect repair, chronic stable angina and other health problems as determined by your physician.
What is involved in the program?
There are three main components:
1. Exercise – An important part of any Cardiac Rehabilitation program is exercise.
A Cardiac Rehab team member will design an individualized exercise program to meet your activity goals. Your heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure and exertion levels will be monitored throughout the program to insure the safe progression of activity. In addition, you will learn how to apply self-monitoring concepts to fit your lifestyle.
2. Education – One-on-one and group educational sessions will provide you and your family members with information on how to reduce and prevent cardiac risk factors.
Classes include activity guidelines, emergency preparation and cardiac warning signs, dietary and cholesterol instruction, stress management, blood pressure management, weight loss, smoking cessation and additional information on your specific heart condition.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team, led by Medical Director Dr. Robert Turner, Cardiologist, includes an Exercise Physiologist, Registered Nurses, Registered Dietician, Respiratory Therapists and Massage Therapists who will work with you to set goals and provide support and encouragement as you progress.
3. Support Network – You and your family will have the opportunity to network with other participants, share experiences and support and motivate one another.
How does the program work?
Orientation – During your first visit, a Cardiac Rehab team member will review your medical history, risk factors and lifestyle habits. Together, you will set goals on how to reduce your risk factors for heart disease.
Group Exercise Sessions – Following your initial visit you may choose an exercise class time. The group exercise sessions are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The program duration is based on your individual needs and goals.
Exercise Testing and Prescription – An exercise stress test is usually recommended during the program to evaluate your progress and establish activity guidelines. Stress testing and other cardiac tests can be performed at Reedsburg Area Medical Center. After a physician interprets the test results, an exercise prescription will be developed to fit your specific needs.
How much does the program cost?
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a medically prescribed and supervised therapy. Medicare, Medicaid and the majority of health insurance companies recognize Cardiac Rehabilitation as a covered service. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine coverage under your specific plan or ask the Cardiac Rehabilitation staff to assist you in this matter.
If you are interested in the Cardiac Rehab program, contact your physician to obtain a referral or contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.