Have you or a loved one recently experienced a heart-related event? If so, please continue reading and find out more about cardiac rehabilitation and how important it is to anyone who’s recently experienced a heart event. According to the American Heart Association, roughly 935,000 Americans experience a coronary event each year, and more than 30% experience a second and potentially fatal coronary event.
Suppose we told you there is a program your physician can prescribe that has proven to reduce the risk of future cardiac events by improving the health of those who have suffered a heart attack and have cardiovascular disease? Would you ensure that you or your loved one participated in that program? We have promising news for you! Cardiac Rehabilitation, also known as “Cardiac Rehab,” not only helps the patient safely return to an active lifestyle, it improves the health and recovery of those who suffer from cardiovascular disease and is available right here at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas.
Cardiac Rehab is recommended for many heart-related conditions and has clear benefits that participants and physicians can measure. According to the American Heart Association, Cardiac Rehab is recommended for the following:
- • Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI- stent)
- • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- • Chronic stable angina
- • Stable, chronic heart failure
- • Cardiac transplantation
- • Valvular heart disease
The main component of Cardiac Rehab is exercise rehabilitation. It includes exercise education and training to help patients slowly work their way back to having an active lifestyle in a medically supervised environment. Patients begin at a slow pace and work their way up to more moderate paced exercises as their health permits. Each patient receives an individualized exercise plan based on health status, fitness level, and personal goals. Patients are supervised and monitored during this program, giving the patient peace of mind as exercise can trigger anxiety for those newly recovered from a heart event. Additional components of the program include heart-healthy tips, stress management, and more.
Each patient participates in twelve to thirty-six one-hour sessions, depending on physician guidance. Medicare and most insurers cover these sessions. A Cardiac Rehab Scholarship is possible for those whose insurance does not cover the service or who need financial assistance in order to complete the program. Fundraising events are held each year by Coffee Regional Medical Center and The Wellness Center to fund this scholarship. This scholarship ensures our community can take advantage of this life-saving program. To find out more, call The Wellness Center at (912) 383-6988.