Alegent Health provides a board certified cardiac rehabilitation program at all metro campuses for all cardiac patients who have suffered a cardiac event; however patients at a high risk for developing cardiac disease may also benefit. This cardiac conditioning program emphasizes improving the level of fitness to establish functional independence. In addition to exercise training, our professional staff will recommend and offer guidance in decreasing risk factors for cardiac disease. The cardiac rehabilitation staff consists of board certified cardiac nurses, registered respiratory therapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists and pharmacists. This interdisciplinary team evaluates and assists in the patient’s return to full recovery.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a three-phase program:
Phase I - Inpatient Program is designed for individuals hospitalized at an Alegent Health hospital who have experienced a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or other heart problems. This phase includes light exercise for the participant, as well as education for both the patient and family.
Phase II - Outpatient Program is a comprehensive program generally beginning after discharge from the hospital or when safely determined by a doctor. This consists of structured, individualized exercise to increase endurance early in recovery as well as education to assist the patient in making lifestyle changes. Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure are constantly monitored by a registered nurse. The program includes exercise sessions three times a week for about an hour. Sessions involve a warm-up period, aerobic-type exercise (performed on a treadmill, bicycle and arm ergometer) and ends with a cool-down period.
Phase III – Maintenance Program is available to all participants who complete Phase II and offers cardiac conditioning to continue lifestyle changes.
