National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week was initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) to focus national attention on cardiac rehabilitation’s contribution to the improvement of the health and physical performance of individuals at risk for heart disease and/or those individuals diagnosed with heart disease or dysfunction.

AACVPR National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is celebrated during February, American Heart Month, as part of a national campaign to draw greater attention to heart health. The week coincides each year with Valentine’s Day. AACVPR National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 2019 will be celebrated February 10-16.

Cardiac Rehab Program at Speare Memorial Hospital.

• AACVPR certified since 2013
• Program runs Monday through Friday
• Monitored Exercise for 60 min
• 35 min education class on risk factors/modifications
• Covered by most insurance companies up to 36 visits
  • 24 monitored exercise visits
  • 12 education classes

About the Program

Each participant wears a portable heart monitor so that their heart rate and rhythm can be monitored throughout the session. Patients exercise at different levels related to their medical history, current ability and personal goals. Exercises are adjusted by the staff according to the patient’s progress.

Education is also a very important part of Cardiac Rehab. Education classes teach patients about the disease process and prevention strategies to improve healthy lifestyle choices. Class topics include risk factors, medication, nutrition, exercise education, and cardiac anatomy.

Goals of Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Improve the performance of the heart muscle
• Decrease blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Improve cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility
• Reduce cardiac risk factors
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Disease management
• Patient self-management education
• IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

Covered Diagnoses

• MI (within 12 months)
• -CABG (coronary artery bypass graft)
• -Angioplasty (with or without stent)
• -Valve repair or replacement (TAVR procedures)
• -Stable angina
• -Heart Transplant
• -CHF (Class I-III)
• -PVD (Peripheral Vascular disease)

Cardiac Rehab Team at Speare

• Linda Nestor, Program Director
• John Jehl, M.D., Medical Director
• Craig Johnson, B.S., CMES: Exercise Physiologist
• Kimberly Brian, M.S., RCEP: Exercise Physiologist
• Janette Gaumer, RD, LD: Dietitian
• Jesse Beaudry, Pharm.D: Pharmacist

For more information or to make an appointment call 603-238-6440