Cardiac Rehab

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Improving life after cardiac & pulmonary surgery​


Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab, is critical for a successful recovery. After surgery, our skilled team of rehabilitation experts work with patients to design a program of exercise and education to help them regain strength and reduce the risk of future heart complications. Support groups are also available to help patients cope emotionally and with chronic disease management.​

Two-Phased approach

Our cardiac rehabilitation program is divided into two phases. 

Phase I - Inpatient Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation​

Inpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation begins during your hospitalization, within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. An exercise physiologist works with you to help regain strength, providing exercise instruction, patient counseling and education. The duration of exercise depends on frequency, intensity and patient tolerance, which will be closely monitored.

The Phase I program is designed to:

  • Improve cardiovascular and respiratory function

  • Increase strength, endurance and independence

  • Reduce secondary complications such as blood clots or pneumonia

  • Stabilize patient’s response to low-level activity and reduce associated anxiety

  • Shorten post-op recovery time and length of hospital stay

  • Prevent weakness and complications caused by prolonged bed rest

  • Provide education on your condition in preparation for discharge to home or transitional care facility

  • Educate patients on lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, dietary guidelines and exercise recommendations

  • Educate on exercise and symptom recognition during exercise intolerance

  • Prepare you for Phase II - outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

Phase II - Outpatient Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation​ 

Accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

What is outpatient cardiac rehab?

Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation is a medically monitored exercise and education program that meets three times a week for approximately 36 sessions. The program is customized to meet your individual needs and goals. You will receive support and education about lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart problems and enhance your quality of life. 

Is outpatient cardiac rehab right for you?​

If you have one of the following conditions or have had one of the following procedures, then you maybe be a candidate for cardiac rehab:​

  • Open heart surgery​ (valve, bypass)

  • ​Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)

  • Myocardial infarction (Heart Attack)​

  • Heart transplant

  • Current stable angina pectoris

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)​

Benefits of outpatient cardiac rehab

Our overall goal is to provide our patients with individualized, patient-centered care that optimizes their health and wellbeing, enhances their quality of life and minimizes their risk of recurrent cardiac events. 

The American Heart Association/ American College of Cardiology refer cardiac rehabilitation for patients who qualify (see above). Cardiac rehab has also been endorsed as a performance measure by the National Quality Forum, an independent membership-based organization that helps drive improvement in healthcare. 

Benefits  include:

  • Reduced risk of a fatal heart attack (≥ 25%) 

  • Decreased severity of angina & need for anti-angina medications

  • Fewer hospitalizations

  • Decreased cost of physician office visits & hospitalizations (≤35%) 

  • Fewer emergency room visits 

  • Fewer cardiac event rates 

  • Post one year, cardiac rehabilitation participants (more than 24 sessions) had a 58% relative risk reduction for mortality 

  • At 5 years, cardiac rehabilitation participants had a 34% relative risk reduction for mortality