Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation can help patients recover when heart disease poses limitations on their lifestyle.  This process requires intense participation and commitment from the patient.  Our rehabilitation team of physicians, registered nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists work together with the patient and their personal physician to design an individual treatment plan for the patient.  Patients who will benefit from this treatment are those recovering from heart attack, bypass and/or valve surgery, stents, or balloon angioplasty treatment.

The three phases of treatment involved are listed below.

Contact

Call 563-927-7398 to speak with a Cardiac Rehab representative.

PHASE I

Begins as early in the recovery process as your condition will permit.  The patient and their family is educated about the disease process and associated risk factors.  The patient will begin a mild exercise program at the bedside to promote healing and prevent the adverse effects of long-term bed rest.  The team will educate the patient about medications and the activities expected on the return home.

PHASE II

Is a gradual process requiring motivation and discipline from the patient.  The patient can expect to spend time in a range of motion exercises designed to improve flexibility, followed by time walking and/or bicycling, weight training to strengthen upper extremities, and nutrition classes to promote heart healthy eating habits.

PHASE III

Involves establishing exercise as a habit in the patient's own environment.  The goal is to help the now healthy patient attain a desirable level of fitness which can be comfortably tailored to meet his or her needs.  Risk factor reduction through long-term lifestyle changes are an important facet in treatment.