Health Services
Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (Phase II)
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Great River Medical Center is the second phase of the recovery process for patients with coronary artery (heart) disease. Included in this program are individuals who have had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty, or those who have angina (chest pain).
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has three main components:
| • | Education: Patients and their families learn how to modify their risk factors for heart disease. Risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart problems, low activity level, obesity, stress and age. |
| • | Exercise: Participants exercise at their own level. Treadmills and a large variety of exercise bicycles are available at the Center for Rehabilitation. Participants start slowly and follow a safe program that helps them become stronger. Heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored. Participants gain confidence by being active in a supervised setting. |
| • | Support: Participants and their families benefit greatly from being with others who are in a similar situation. Participants will not feel as alone in their fight against heart disease, and they will be encouraged by others to keep up the good work. |
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover all or part of a monitored exercise program. A physician’s referral is needed to enter the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
General Guidelines for Participation
Do:
| • | Call if you need to miss a session. |
| • | Continue to take prescribed medication. |
| • | Report any unusual symptoms or fatigue. |
| • | Wear or bring appropriate, comfortable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are needed. |
| • | Have fun. |
Do not:
| • | Eat for two hours before exercise. |
| • | Exercise after smoking or drinking alcohol. |
| • | Exercise when you do not feel well. |
| • | Withhold any pertinent information. |
After you have completed cardiac rehabilitation, you may feel better than ever. Make these lifestyle changes a permanent part of your life. Exercise sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for approximately six weeks or 18 sessions (this may be more or less as directed by your physician).
For more information, please call (319) 768-4100. The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is located in the Center for Rehabilitation, 1401 West Agency Road, West Burlington, Iowa.