Two Phases of Cardiac Rehab

There are two phases to Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Mary. Each phase is designed to meet the individual needs of each patient and includes cardiovascular risk-factor education and counseling, emotional support and exercise activities. Patients are referred to both phases by their family physician or cardiologist.

Phase I—Begins in the hospital

After a heart attack, cardiac catherization, angioplasty or hospitalization related to heart failure. A member of the Cardiac Rehabilitation team will begin working with you in the hospital, providing education on the cardiovascular risk factors and the signs/symptoms of a heart attack. As needed, patients are given home-exercise walking guidelines. Patients with heart failure receive more detailed education on daily weight checks, salt/sodium restrictions, and a review of the signs and symptoms.

Phase I OHS (Open Heart Surgery) rehabilitation: All valve and bypass surgery patients are seen daily by the Cardiac Rehabilitation team for physical activity, education and emotional support. Physical activities include: range of motion exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, incentive spirometry exercises, ambulation in the room and hallway, and review of stair climbing prior to discharge. Education includes the review of home activity guidelines, walking guidelines and signs and symptoms of cardiac problems.

Phase II—Outpatient phase

Exercise in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department while the staff of nurses and exercise physiologists monitor your responses to exercise. All during phase II, you will be monitored on telemetry monitors. Phase II also includes group and individual education about the cardiovascular risk factors.