The cardiac rehabilitation program at Baptist Health helps patients recover from heart surgery or cardiac difficulties through exercise therapy and cardiac education.

Upon entering cardiac rehabilitation, patients undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of registered nurses and exercise specialists. These experts will then develop an individualized plan of care to address the patient’s needs and goals for the cardiac rehabilitation program, which for most patients will last two to three months. Divided into three phases the program is centered around education, exercise and creating a heart healthy lifestyle.

Throughout rehab, the patient’s physician will receive monthly progress reports, as well as an end-of-program report. If any problems or significant findings arise during rehab, the patient’s physician will be contacted. A physician referral is required and our staff is happy to assist in the referral process.

Baptist Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Phases

Phase I: Education

Phase I provides education about a variety of cardiac related issues, including:

Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack/Angina
Congestive Heart Failure
Post-Bypass Discharge Information
Home Exercise Prescription
Cholesterol Management
Stress-Coping Strategies
High Blood Pressure
Smoking Cessation
Risk Factor Control/Management

Phase II: Exercise Program

Phase II is designed as an outpatient program for people who need a monitored, physician-supervised exercise program. Each session is tailored to the patient’s ability, and is designed to help strengthen the cardiovascular system. All workouts are conducted while patients are hooked to a heart monitor that shows an electrical tracing of the heart on a computer. This image is monitored by staff continuously during exercise sessions. Blood pressure is also monitored. The staff is trained to help patients begin and maintain a medically-safe and effective exercise regimen and are equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise.

Education and cardiac health tips are also a major part of phase II.

The following classes are offered:

Managing Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diets
Benefits of Exercise
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
Stress Reduction
Anatomy and Procedures
Cardiac Medications
Heart Attack Signals and Actions

The majority of the cost for phase II cardiac rehab programs are reimbursed by Medicare, then a supplemental policy generally completes the reimbursement

Phase III: Healthy Hearts Program

Phase III is designed as an outpatient program for people who need a clinically-supervised exercise program. During the final phase of cardiac rehab, patients are educated on how to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure, while also progressing their exercise regimen. Education and cardiac health tips also play a major part in the Healthy Hearts program.

The following classes are offered:

Managing Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diets
Benefits of Exercise
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
Stress Reduction
Anatomy and Procedures
Cardiac Medications
Heart Attack Signals and Actions

Phase III typically follows phase II, but some patients might enter phase III right after completing phase I, skipping phase II altogether. Phase III cardiac rehab programs are not reimbursed by Medicare or insurance companies. Healthy Hearts participants pay per month for membership fees.