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Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you have recently had a heart problem, the cardiac rehabilitation team at Columbia Memorial Hospital can give you the support and expertise you need to safely return to an active, heart-healthy lifestyle.

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to improve the health of your heart and the quality of your life. At CMH, our certified program includes monitored exercise, nutritional and lifestyle education, and support.

Who might benefit from cardiac rehab?

You might benefit from cardiac rehab if you’ve had a heart problem, such a heart attack, heart bypass or valve surgery, a heart transplant, or a diagnosis of heart failure or stable angina.

Cardiac rehab has many benefits. For instance, it can:

  • Help you feel stronger and increase your energy. After a heart event or surgery, you may have experienced a decline in fitness. Cardiac rehab can safely get your heart back in shape and improve your ability to exercise and take part in activities of daily life.
  • Reduce your risk of further heart problems, like heart attacks.
  • Help you create a lifetime habit of exercising regularly and living a heart-healthy life.
  • Give you motivation to move forward to better health.
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.

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What to expect in cardiac rehab

At CMH, we provide phase II outpatient cardiac rehab, which is a 12-week program that is generally covered by medical insurance.

CMH's cardiac rehab program is overseen by a cardiologist. Your rehab plan will be created with your specific needs in mind.

Your cardiac rehab program will include:

Exercise. Most people attend hour-long exercise sessions two to three times a week. An exercise physiologist with graduate-level training and registered nurses who specialize in cardiac rehab will supervise your exercise. The team will monitor your heart and vital signs with state-of-the art equipment while you exercise. Your exercise level will gradually progress as your fitness and recovery improves.

Heart-healthy education. You will receive information and advice to help you make changes that are good for your heart, such as adopting a diet that's low in artery-clogging fats, managing your weight, lowering your blood pressure and quitting smoking.

Stress relief and support. The cardiac program provides stress-reduction counseling that will help you manage the emotional impact of heart disease. You will receive support from your cardiac rehab team and your fellow participants. Participants in our program have often shared similar experiences. They have fun and cheer each other on.

How to get started in cardiac rehab

You will need a referral from a physician to participate in cardiac rehab. If you’ve had a heart problem, ask your primary care provider or your cardiologist if cardiac rehab is right for you.

If you have any questions about the referral process or the cardiac rehab program, please call 503.338.4052.