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Cardiac rehabilitation

If you're adjusting to life after a heart attack or you're living with certain other heart diseases, cardiac rehabilitation may help you feel better than you thought possible. Just because you have had heart problems- or have been told you are at risk for heart disease-you don't have to become a spectator. Trust your heart to Humboldt General Hospital and begin building a better life today.

What is cardiac rehab at HGH?

Our cardiac rehab program is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised, Phase II outpatient exercise and education program designed to help heart patients reduce or control cardiac risk factors, improve cardiovascular fitness and adjust to living with heart disease. An individualized treatment plan will be created and your program can last up to 12 weeks or 36 sessions.

Are you a rehab candidate?

Your physician can determine if our program is for you. Cardiac rehab is designed to benefit anyone who has experienced a heart condition such as:

  • Suffered a heart attack.
  • Had coronary artery bypass graft.
  • Heart failure.
  • Undergone angioplasty or stents.
  • A heart pacemaker.
  • Had a heart transplant.

Benefits of cardiac rehab

Here's one fact: Cardiac rehab can reduce your risk of a second heart attack.
7 facts & myths about cardiac rehabilitation. Learn the facts.

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.

Educate me

Sources

You've heard that exercise can help prevent heart disease before it starts. But it also helps people with current heart conditions. Even light exercise can make a positive difference in your overall health. A structured and monitored exercise program can lower your pulse, blood pressure, and cholesterol while helping you function better in everyday life. The benefits don't stop there.

By being informed and taking positive steps to reduce your risks, you'll gain confidence, feel an improved sense of well-being, and have a renewed interest in life.

How cardiac rehab works

You'll exercise one to three times a week. Your exercise sessions will be medically supervised and monitored by our expert team. During each session, your heart rate and rhythm will be continuously monitored. Your exercise "prescription" will be adjusted throughout your program as your cardiovascular health improves. Progress reports will be sent to your physician. Of course, our center has the medical equipment necessary to handle any emergency situation. In addition to exercise, we emphasize education for both you and your family. This education focuses on nutritional guidance, stress management and modification of risk factors.

What you need to know

  • A physician's referral is required.
  • Medicare and most insurance companies cover cardiac rehab costs when ordered by your physician.

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Humboldt General Hospital, please contact our Wellness Coordinator at 775.623.7907.