What is Cardiac Rehabilitation
The cardiac rehab program helps patients recover from a heart attack, bypass surgery or other cardiac procedures and illnesses. The program offers one-on-one medically supervised exercise with continuous ECG monitoring. The educational component of the cardiac rehab program helps teach the patient about their disease as well as offering wellness information to enhance a heart-healthy lifestyle. The typical cardiac rehab program is 8-12 weeks in duration with three days of exercise per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Who can benefit from Cardiac Rehab?
Patients who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, stable angina, heart transplant, and other cardiac procedures within the past year are typically eligible to enroll in cardiac rehab. Although many patients attempt to "rehab" themselves at home with walking or other exercise, the cardiac rehab program often allows patients the ability to resume their old activities at a faster rate with less overall discomfort than if rehab is merely done at home. Additionally, patients who have not had a lifelong habit of exercise are often uncomfortable or do not know how to start exercising. The cardiac rehab program is able to assist patients in establishing a healthy habit of exercise while being medically supervised during the "rough" few weeks following heart problems.
How to enroll?
Cardiac rehab requires a physician referral; therefore, a written order for cardiac rehab from a cardiologist or a family physician is needed. If the patient does not have an order for cardiac rehab from their doctor, the cardiac rehab staff can help the patient obtain and complete the proper paperwork. The best way to get started in the cardiac rehab program is to call (432)758-4837 or visit the cardiac rehab program located at the M.S. Doss Fitness Center of Memorial Hospital. The cardiac rehab staff will be able to describe the program in more detail and assist the patient in enrolling.
Staff
Jerrold Hill is the director of cardiopulmonary services. Jerrold is a native Seminole resident having graduated from Seminole High School and graduated from San Angelo State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration.
