Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center is designed for anyone with a heart problem, especially anyone who has had a heart attack or heart surgery, or who is at high risk for a heart attack. The program is designed to help you reach and maintain optimal physical and psychological capacity. You can cut your risk of heart attack and increase your quality of life by participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

The program has three phases. Depending on your situation, you may start in either Phase I or II.

Phase I

This program is designed for patients in the hospital. An individualized program, consisting of exercise and education, is planned. Employees from physical therapy will lead you through a daily exercise routine to help maintain muscular strength without overworking your heart.

Educational sessions for the patient and family are offered by our pharmacist, dietitian and cardiac rehabilitation nurse. Topics discussed include anatomy, diet, medication and risk factor reduction.

Phase II

This part of the program is for heart patients once they are out of the hospital. Exercise sessions are held three times each week for up to 12 weeks. Each patient is monitored closely and wears a portable telemetry monitor, which shows the heart's response to exercise. The exercises are designed to alternate between different muscle groups while continually exercising your heart.

Sessions last approximately one hour and are held in an informal atmosphere. Educational classes are offered to help you reduce your risk for heart problems and to reinforce previous learning.

Equipment used for the program has been carefully chosen, and was funded in part by generous community donations through the OSF Foundation Council. Included are rowing machines, wall weights, treadmill, bench steps, Aerodyne bicycle and arm ergometer.

Phase III

This program is open to graduates of the Phase II program. You are responsible for monitoring your exercise and choosing the type of exercise you will do. There are many advantages to the Phase III program; you may continue to use the equipment you are familiar with; you may continue to exercise with a group of people you have met; and you can be a support to Phase II people during their recovery.

Fees

Charges vary depending upon which phase you are enrolled. Most insurance carriers provide coverage for Phase I and II. Our charges are covered by Medicare, Part B. If you have any questions, please call.

How To Start

Patients are enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation by referral from their doctor. For Phase II, a low level stress test may be required to determine your individual exercise prescription. Another stress test may be scheduled when you complete Phase II to determine your work capacity.