A medically-supervised exercise program is designed especially for you to help you increase your cardiovascular fitness, and improve your strength, endurance, and flexibility. You will exercise two times a week at first, and then progress to three weekly sessions.

As you continue in the program, your exercise routines will gradually get a little harder and a little longer. Your electrocardiogram will be monitored and your blood pressure checked as appropriate. You will learn how to monitor your own response to exercise to help prepare you for exercising on your own when the program is completed.

One-to-one instruction and a full range of classes help you and your family learn more about your heart condition and how to manage your health. You will learn about your heart problem—its causes and treatments. And you will learn how to change your lifestyle to lower your risk of further heart problems (for example, how to eat heart-healthy, control your weight, manage stress, and stop smoking).

You will be exercising along with others who have heart disease. Learning and getting support from those who also have heart problems is a major part of the recovery process.

Advanced practice nurses and other health professionals who are specially trained in cardiac rehabilitation manage your program and provide support, encouragement, and guidance. Also, we encourage you to attend our stress management lecture series led by a psychologist specifically trained to work with heart patients and their families.

What happens when the program is completed?

We will help you make the change to a home or community-based exercise program and, if you like, refer you to resources for continuing help with lifestyle changes. We will be in touch with you for a period of time after you "graduate," but we are always there for you if you need us.

The total program ranges from 6-12 weeks based on medical history, risk factors, and exercise level.

First Appointment

On Tuesday or Thursday, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon

One hour interview. No exercise. Bring a list of medications with dosages. You will be given questionnaires that need to be completed and brought in at next appointment.

Second Appointment

Tuesday or Thursday

Appointment times: 8:00 A.M. / 9:00 A.M. / 10:00 A.M. / 1:00 P.M. / 2:00 P.M. / 3:00 P.M. / 4:00 P.M.

Short physical exam and exercise. Bring sneakers or rubber-soled shoes and comfortable workout clothes.

Pre-Training Exercise Appointments

Tuesdays and Thursdays (for 1-2 weeks after second appointment)

Appointment times: 8:00 A.M. / 9:00 A.M. / 10:00 A.M. / 1:00 P.M. / 2:00 P.M.

One hour exercise. Bring sneakers or rubber-soled shoes and comfortable workout clothes.

Exercise Training Appointments (following pre-training)

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (4-10 additional weeks)

Appointment times: 7:30 A.M. / 9:00 A.M. / 11:00 A.M. / 1:30 P.M.

One hour exercise. Bring sneakers or rubber-soled shoes and comfortable workout clothes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before scheduled appointment in order to apply electrodes.

Required Lectures (may be scheduled at other times as needed)

Mondays 10:00-11:00 A.M.

• Understanding Your Heart Condition
• Living With Heart Disease
• Heart Healthy Exercise

Nutrition Lectures

Most Wednesdays 10:00–11:00 A.M.

• Vitamins, etc.
• Eating Away from Home
• Weight Control
• Eating at Home

Nutritionist Appointments

Wednesdays, by scheduled appointment (fee-for-service)

One hour consultation with registered dietitian.

Other Educational Classes

• Stress Management
• Yoga/Relaxation/Meditation
• Question and Answer Session with Cardiologist

The Medical Fitness Program

If you do not have heart disease but have other medical problems such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, or obesity, a special program is offered to assist you to learn how to exercise safely and effectively. You will meet with our nurse/exercise physiologist/personal trainer who will design an exercise program specifically for you.