Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program of exercise, education and support that can help you make important lifestyle changes, improve your quality of life, and help you and your family learn to live without worry about your cardiac disease.

When choosing a program you should first ask: Does the program have a medical director? Program staff can include registered nurses, registered clinical exercise physiologists, registered physical therapists, and other exercise staff. Health professionals with advanced training in emergency cardiovascular care should be present at all times. In addition to providing you with additional safety should you encounter problems, these professionals will help you develop the confidence in your own abilities. The program you select should be certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation(AACVPR). At least one staff member should be a member of the AACVPR and the CT Society for Cardiac Rehabilitation.

What kind of facilities are provided for exercise? Look for a program with stationary bicycles, treadmills, or various other cardiovascular training equipment including resistance equipment such as weights and elastic bands. Elaborate physical conditioning equipment beyond these three essentials is not necessary and is not as important as the knowledge and training of the program staff. The facility may be located in the hospital or at an offsite facility.

How is the program tailored for your needs? Beware of programs that have “one-size-fits-all” exercise program. A program should be designed for your specific needs as determined by your physician’s direction and by the program’s staff. Your exercise program should be put together by staff with special training in working with heart patients. During your program, your progress should be monitored and recorded.

How is the facility equipped to handle an emergency? The facility should be staffed with trained medical professionals and equipped with emergency equipment such as a defibrillator.

Are patients monitored during exercise? A heart monitoring system is essential for patients during the early phases of their program. As their confidence and ability grows, this monitoring may no longer be required. Once a heart monitoring system is no longer needed (as determined by the program staff), patients should at least have their pulse rate and blood pressure checked periodically during exercise.

Are lifestyle habits other than exercise addressed? Exercise is only one component of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation staff should discuss with you modification of other risk factors, including management of stress, body weight, diet, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking cessation. Exercise alone will not produce the results you are looking to achieve. The staff will also teach you about managing your symptoms and about your medications. Other staff members who may be a part of the cardiac rehabilitation team include registered dieticians, mental health professionals, and pharmacists.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

* Denotes current cardiac rehabilitation program certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).  Program certification status is based on information obtained from the AACVPR website (aacvpr.org).  Program re-certification is required every 3 years.