Cardio/Respiratory Rehabilitation Program
The Cardiac Respiratory Rehabilitation Program is a comprehensive program that uses exercise, education and individual counseling to help reduce the risk and help prevent further complication from heart disease or pulmonary disease. Individuals who participate in this program are supervised by a registered nurse and an exercise physiologist specially trained and skilled in the treatment and care management of patient's with cardiac or pulmonary disease.
Insurance companies usually provide coverage to those who have experienced coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or those placed in a high category of heart disease because of risk factors. Cardiac Rehabilitation also benefits those who are experiencing emotional and physical distress due to health problems related to high blood pressure, valve replacement, pacemakers, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, mitral valve prolapse, heart transplants and irregular heart rhythm.
Conditions appropriate for respiratory rehabilitation include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and other pulmonary problems.
Expected Program Outcomes
- Improved Quality of Life
- Increased Exercise tolerance and performance
- Increased knowledge about disease and its management
- Reversal of anxiety and depression
- Increase survival rate
- Enhanced ability to perform activities of daily living
- Reduced hospitalization
Services
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Following the initial evaluation each participant is EKG monitored during the exercise session that begins slowly using equipment, such as, treadmill, bike, rower, steps or arm cycle. As tolerance increases, so do the level of exercise. Once maximum expected exercise tolerance is reached, a maintenance program is designed to enable the individual to continue exercising as a member of the Northwest Health Center. Cardiac education includes information about medications, diet, exercise and heart disease.
Respiratory Management
Following the initial evaluation, pulmonary patients vital signs are monitored closely along with their oxygen saturation. Oxygen is available if necessary. Respiratory education includes breathing techniques, nutrition, medication and stress management as well as in formation about lung disease and its treatment.
Access
The Cardiac/Respiratory Rehabilitation Program is located in the Northwest Wellness Center. Physicians and office personnel are encouraged to call the Cardiac Rehab Coordinator of the program at 205-487-7765 to refer a patient to the program.