Request an Appointment with an Orlando Health Physician
If you’ve had a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease, our team of cardiologists, cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and social workers will support you and your family through all phases of your rehabilitation.
Overview
Cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise and education program designed to improve your quality of life when you have a heart attack or other heart condition. If you`re just recovering from a heart attack, walking on a treadmill may be the last thing on your mind. However, exercising under the supervision of your healthcare team may be just what you need for a better quality of life. A cardiac rehabilitation program, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle is important to the recovery process.
Orlando Health offers a formalized, three-part cardiac rehabilitation program designed to improve cardiovascular function and increase endurance. A team of specially trained and skilled clinicians work together to help patients successfully manage their heart condition. The team includes physicians, cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and social workers. The program is divided into three parts.
Phase I Inpatient
Phase I begins while the patient is still in the hospital. It is designed to help patients gradually return to a normal level of activity. Both the patient and the patient's family receive information about exercise and cardiovascular function. We encourage our patients to continue with a low-level, progressive exercise program at home with the direction of their physician.
Phase II Outpatient
Phase II is a monitored outpatient exercise and cardiac education program that usually begins within one to three weeks after discharge. Group classes meet two or three times a week for one hour. Medicare and most insurance plans usually cover the cost of this program. The patient's physician, exercise physiologist, and cardiac nurse individually prescribe each program.
The goals of these classes are to:
- Improve exercise tolerance, strength and flexibility
- Control and minimize risk factors such as diet, smoking, stress, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes through lifestyle modifications
- Increase self-confidence and promote a sense of well being
Phase III Maintenance
Phase III is a maintenance exercise program. Patients challenge themselves and set personal goals while still under the supervision of cardiac rehabilitation staff. We offer workshops, classes, and support groups geared to educate and support our patients and their families.
