Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a comprehensive monitored program that includes education and exercise designed to improve your health and build endurance in your heart and lungs after a cardiac or pulmonary procedure.

Eligibility

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended for you if you have been diagnosed or treated with the following:

Cardiac and Vascular

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Angina
• Open heart surgery
• Cardiac stent placement
• Heart transplantation
• Ventricular assist device (VAD)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Pulmonary

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Chronic respiratory impairment
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung transplantation

Education

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation offers classes on topics including:

• Heart anatomy and circulation
• Medications
• Creating a home exercise program
• Learning the essentials of a heart-healthy diet, including reading food labels

Exercise

Your rehabilitation exercise program will be under the guidance of and monitored by physicians, specialized nurses and exercise physiologists. You and your team will develop an exercise program at your first rehabilitation visit that is specific to you and your needs. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation has studied the long-term benefits of a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program that include:

• Building endurance in your heart and lungs
• Increasing your strength
• Lowering your blood pressure
• Reduced hospitalization and improved cholesterol
• Relieving stress
• Controlling your weight

The length of your program will depend on your goals and how you progress.

We recommend contacting your health insurance provider regarding coverage for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.