Cardiac Rehabilitation
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Lee Health helps heart patients by providing a comprehensive plan that includes medical expertise, exercise, education, and counseling so they can take charge, recover from illness, and live a full and active life.
Have you recently had a heart attack? Are you recovering from heart surgery or heart disease?
Cardiac rehabilitation will help if you have had any of the following:
- Heart Attack
- Heart Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass
- Heart Valve Replacement or Repair
- Angioplasty or Stenting
- Stable Angina
- Heart Transplant
- Stable Chronic heart failure when specific criteria are met
Patients who undergo cardiac rehabilitation may experience reduced cardiac symptoms, better long-term survival, weight loss, improved cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, improved blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, improved endurance and strength, improved quality of life, and less stress.
By choosing cardiac rehabilitation at Lee Health, you’re choosing a healthier way of life. Ask your physician for a referral to cardiac rehabilitation.
How is cardiac rehabilitation performed?
Lee Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program provides comprehensive care in a center that helps you feel safe and supported. Most insurance plans cover cardiac rehabilitation with the patient responsible for any co-pay or balance due.
What are the Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Phase 1 (Inpatient)
If your cardiac condition requires a hospital stay, your rehabilitation will begin while you are in the hospital. You will learn about your heart’s function, heart disease, and the role diet and exercise play in your recovery, and you will begin limited physical activity.
Your physician will usually make a patient referral to Phase 2 Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation when you are discharged from the hospital.
Phase 2 (Outpatient)
Patients who undergo Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation have had recent heart problems such as angina, heart attack, angioplasty/stent, heart surgery, and stable chronic heart failure. Phase 2 is a medically supervised program and includes education, support, and exercise.
This phase focuses on improving quality of life and reducing the risks associated with heart problems. Patients are encouraged to begin the program within 2-4 weeks after discharge from the hospital.
Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation takes place at HealthPark Medical Plaza One, Cape Coral Hospital, and Lee Health Coconut Point. Patients need a physician referral to get into the program. This usually happens at discharge from the hospital after a cardiac event or procedure.
Medicare covers approximately 80 percent of the cost of cardiac rehabilitation. Most supplemental insurance will cover the remainder of the balance if the patient has a supplemental policy.
For Phase 2 patients, please note:
- We provide full medical supervision at all times.
- We provide a safe environment, where your heart function can be carefully monitored during exercise.
- Doctors, nurses, exercise physiologists, and a dietitian are all included in the care team.
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Cardiac Rehabilitation - Cape Coral Hospital
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Cardiac Rehabilitation - Coconut Point
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Cardiac Rehabilitation - Medical Plaza 1
What to Expect After Cardiac Rehabilitation
The doctor may request that you conduct another exercise stress test after your final cardiac rehab session and as part of completing your program to:
- Reevaluate how safe exercise is
- Indicate your cardiorespiratory fitness has improved since your original exercise stress test
- Your personalized exercise training recommendations should be updated to take into account your improved physical health.
If you continue to apply all you've learned about lowering your cardiovascular risk factors, handling stress, preparing heart-healthy meals, and quit up tobacco products, you'll increase your body's overall health.
Technology and Expertise at Lee Health
The Lee Health Cardiac Rehab program offers patients the most advanced cardiac rehabilitation facility in the area. The Lee Health Cardiac Rehab Phase 2 programs are certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
We also provide a dedicated and highly trained staff. Our team works closely with your physician and includes medical professionals from a variety of disciplines who understand the challenges of living with heart disease. They will teach you how to meet those challenges.
