Cardiac Rehab - North Florida Regional Medical Center

5CardiacRehab4321MeasuringSuccessStep by StepBeat by BeatCardiac Rehabilitation is located on the first floor of the Women’s Center onthe campus of North Florida Regional Healthcare. You will find us just pastthe Main Lobby after entering The Women’s Center.For cardiovascular information or referral to a cardiovascular specialist,please call Consult–A–Nurse ® at 800–611–6913.www.NFRMC.comMore about Cardiac RehabilitationCardiac Rehabiliation staff members include registered nurses and other clinical providers who have training andexperience in treating patients with cardiovascular disease. They are proud to be part of The Heart & Vascular Center atNorth Florida Regional Healthcare. During the year 2010, surgeons performed 350 open heart procedures, cardiologistsplaced 1,460 stents during primary coronary interventions , 339 patients received pacemakers, and 229 implantablecardiac defibrillators were implanted for patients. Home to a regional cardiovascular program that is strong and growing,The Heart & Vascular Center cares for patients throughout North Central Florida.The Heart & Vascular CenterNorth Florida Regional Healthcare6500 W. Newberry RoadGainesville, Florida 32605(352) 333–40006.11 © North Florida Regional HealthcarePROVIDING EXPERT CARDIOVASCULAR CARE

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?For patients with heart disease, vital help in getting backto the lifestyle you once enjoyed comes from the expertsin Cardiac Rehabilitation. Patients in our program includethose who have had surgery or other procedures and thosewho have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular conditionbut have not had a surgical or interventional procedure. Ineither case, Cardiac Rehabilitation uses education, nutritioncounseling and carefully supervised exercise to help patientsget back to productive and enjoyable lives.William Phillips and Emil Pop are among patients who sayCardiac Rehab has helped them recover their health andlifestyle following a diagnosis of heart disease.Who can participate?Cardiac Rehabilitation at The Heart & Vascular Center ofNorth Florida Regional is designed for the following patients:• Recovering from a heart attack• Recovering from coronary bypass or valvereplacement surgery• Following interventional cardiac proceduressuch as angioplasty and stent placement• Experiencing stable chest pain• At high risk of heart disease• Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy or congestiveheart failureHow can CardiacRehabilitation Help?Studies show that programs like the one at NorthFlorida Regional offer substantial benefits to peoplewith heart disease. Many of our patients experiencethe following:• Faster recovery• Increased exercise endurance• Decreased blood pressure and heart rate• Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels• Reduced body fat, improved muscle tone• Enhanced knowledge of heart disease• Increased energy and zest for livingHow does the program work?Cardiac Rehabilitation for patients of The Heart &Vascular Center at North Florida Regional is dividedinto three phases. Many patients begin the programwhile still hospitalized and continue as outpatients.Others simply attend our outpatient program.Like other Cardiac Rehab patients, Steve Horswell meets firstwith a staff member to go over his program. Horswell signed upfor Cardiac Rehab after having a heart attack at the age of 41.Phase OneThis phase takes place while you are in the hospitalrecovering from a heart attack or other condition your doctorfeels would benefit from cardiac rehab. During the recoveryperiod, a cardiac rehabilitation staff member visits you inyour room and explains the benefits of both inpatient andoutpatient programs. Throughout your recovery, we willhelp you gradually and safely resume physical activity.It is important to begin this process as early as possible torecover your strength. The rehab process may include lowintensity exercise to monitor your heart rate, blood pressureand exercise tolerance. Before you leave the hospital, wewill provide educational materials about your condition andoptions for continued rehabilitation in Phases Two and Three.Phase TwoThe second phase may begin as early as two weeks afteryou have been discharged from the hospital. This maycontinue for 12 weeks and consists of the following:• Three supervised, EKG-monitored exercise sessionsper week• Various activities that include treadmill walking, stationarybicycle riding, arm cycling, rowing and strength training• Educational instruction on nutrition, stress managementand other factors that may contribute to heart disease• Development of a personal exercise programWith your physician’s approval, you may begin Phase Threefollowing Phase Two.Many patients who enroll in Cardiac Rehabilitation say they alsoreceive emotional and social benefits that come from bonding withother patients who share their experience with heart disease andthe process of recovering and getting well again.Phase ThreeThe third phase of Cardiac Rehabilitation is a continuation ofsupervised exercise aimed at maintaining consistent, healthylifestyle habits. Weekly sessions are available Monday’s,Wednesday’s and Friday’s. Additional sessions are availableupon request.Insurance CoverageMany insurance carriers reimburse cardiac rehabilitation forPhase Two. The amount of coverage depends on your insurancecompany and policy. Phase Three patients can purchase a heartcard that entitles them to eight visits. Often, this is not coveredby insurance plans. Please check with your insurance providerabout your benefits. For more information about CardiacRehabilitation, please call us at (352) 333–4710.