Take good care of your heart

Cardiac rehabilitation at CMH is based on a program developed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and meets Medicare guidelines. Our cardiac rehab staff works closely with your physician and cardiologist to meet your needs.

Our two-fold approach places your heart at the center of your overall health:
It’s a safe, individualized exercise program closely monitored by health professionals.
It’s an education and lifestyle program for both you and your family members to help you modify and reduce your cardiac risk factors.

Have you or a loved one recently experienced heart surgery or suffered a heart attack?

Cardiac rehabilitation can help to speed your recovery and reduce your chances for future heart problems. Our Cardiac Rehab Program is a monitored, medically supervised exercise therapy and education program for those who have had:

• Bypass surgery
• Stable angina
• Angioplasty/stenting
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart valve replacement/repair
• Heart transplant
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Exercise to regain your heart health and avoid future problems

At your first cardiac rehab appointment, you will be assessed by our experienced and professional cardiac rehab staff. They’ll create an individualized exercise plan and appointment schedule just for you, based on your physical and medical status.

At each exercise session, your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored while cardiac rehab staff members provide supervision and support. Session summaries are sent to your primary physician and cardiologist. Each exercise session takes about an hour.

Education and lifestyle

Everyday changes can improve your heart health. The CMH Cardiac Rehab Program includes a ten-week education component for patients and family. Our education staff includes a nurse, exercise physiologist, dietician, pharmacist and chaplain. This information is focused to assist you and your family in developing a heart healthy lifestyle.

Explore these important topics in an informal, helpful setting:

• Risk factors
• Relaxation techniques
• Grief management
• Reading food labels
• Cholesterol and fat
• Sodium
• Fiber
• Dining out
• Medications
• Weight control
• Strength training
• Anatomy and physiology of the heart

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Rehabilitation Program

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a circulatory problem that results from systemic atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This blockage causes inflammation of the arteries, which reduces vital blood flow and oxygen supply to the body’s organs and extremities.

People with PAD may be asymptomatic or have intermittent claudication (IC), which is activity induced pain, aching or cramps of the calves, thighs or buttocks. This typically resolves after a few minutes of rest or within
5-10 minutes of sustained activity.

How can the PAD Rehab Program improve your life?

CMH’s PAD Rehab Program offers a specialized tool-kit for treating patients with PAD. Our Exercise Physiologists are trained in guidelines for safely modifying exercises to help reduce the symptoms of PAD.

For many sufferers of PAD, the feeling of pain when walking causes a reduction of activities that cause discomfort, which often results in further deconditioning, loss of leg strength, and possibly development of infection, exacerbated disability, or limb amputation.

Studies have consistently shown that adapted exercise training for PAD patients increases walking distances, improves quality of life, and helps restore overall functional capacity. These benefits occur with treatment two to three times a week for at least six months or longer.

Cardiac Rehab and PAD Rehab services are offered every weekday. Participants may receive up to 36 treatments within 36 weeks. Physician referral is required.