Cardiac Rehabilitation
Working with our cardiac rehab team
Our staff is trained to react quickly to any problems that may occur during your rehabilitation program and assistance from our medical staff is immediately available. We will also communicate with your physician during your program about your progress and any concerns along the way.
You will be connected to an EKG monitor while you exercise so your heart rate and rhythm are closely watched. Your blood pressure is also monitored. You will be closely supervised and any concerns about your body’s response to exercise or to your medications will be relayed by our staff to your doctors. We also help you learn what you can do to decrease your risk of a future heart problem.
Is cardiac rehab for me?
If you have had any of the following conditions, talk to your physician to learn if you may be eligible to participate in Cardiac Rehab at Lakeview Hospital.
- Heart Surgery – Bypass or Valve Surgery
- Heart Attack within the past 12 months
- Angioplasty or a stent placed in your heart
- Heart or Heart Lung Transplant
- Stable Angina
- Stable Heart Failure (with ejection fraction of 35% or less)
What do I Need to do before exercise class?
Dress in loose fitting clothes and shoes with good support. Do not smoke or drink caffeinated beverages two hours prior to exercise class. Nicotine and caffeine can increase your heart rate. Make sure you eat 1-2 hours before your exercise class. Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
You will be using your larger muscle groups of the arms and legs to gain more endurance and strength. This is called aerobic exercise. We’ll select a special group of exercises on machines that best suit your needs. You may exercise on a treadmill, elliptical trainers, recumbent cycles, step blocks, arm ergometers, or use free weights.
How long will I have to attend cardiac rehab?
Most insurance providers have coverage for Cardiac Rehab services. We will check with your insurance company and let you know your exact coverage before you begin.
Exercise + education = healthy hearts
Most people think Cardiac Rehab is like a trip to the fitness center for a good workout. Actually, that’s only part of it. The Cardiac Rehab Program at Lakeview Hospital combines exercise, education and personalized attention to what you need for the health of your heart. Throughout the 12-week program you’ll learn how to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve the quality of your life. We’ll teach you how to decrease your cardiovascular risk factors, how to properly take the medications you’ve been prescribed for your heart’s health and how to recognize symptoms that require you to get help. You’ll also learn healthy lifestyle changes, making wiser food choices, coping with stress, managing your diabetes and even how to quit smoking.
For further information or assistance, contact our cardiac rehabilitation department at (985) 867-4455.