Cardiac Rehabilitation is a planned program to improve your health and heart function. It involves medical evaluation, prescribed exercise, education and counseling. Our rehabilitation program is staffed by only the best healthcare practitioners to provide you with the highest quality of care. For heart patients, exercise decreases the risk of another cardiac event.

Cardiac rehabilitation teaches patients about their disease and how to cope with its physical and psychological manifestations. Patients also benefit from a social standpoint as they discuss and share with other heart patients.

The main goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to decrease cardiac risk factors and improve cardiovascular health and fitness for better quality of life. This is done through various levels (phases) of care throughout your cardiac event.

Phase I: This phase begins in the hospital following a heart attack, angioplasty, heart surgery, or a cardiac condition. Progression to low-level activity and education is emphasized during this phase, working with the physician and cardiac staff for the highest level of care.

Phase II: This is held at LewisGale Hospital at Montgomery on the 2nd floor. A primary focus for Phase II is to enable you to return to your typical activities of daily living. The emphasis is on aerobic exercise, but may also include muscle strengthening and flexibility. Phase II also offers an extensive educational program.

A cardiac nurse and exercise physiologist structure a regime that is based upon your goals and meets your needs. A registered dietitian will also meet with you to analyze your diet and assist you in making more heart healthy decisions.