Cardiovascular Fitness

Lifeworx | Senior Rhythms | Home Activity Progression After a Heart Attack

 Cardiovascular Fitness at St. Joseph Medical Center provides education, counseling, behavior modification and exercise through a variety of programs aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease. Programs are for anyone interested in either prevention of, or recovery from, cardiovascular disease.

The Cardiovascular Fitness Department has been awarded Program Certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Certification recognizes those programs rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of care.

Cardiovascular Fitness personnel are professionals including nurses, clinical exercise physiologists, exercise technicians and registered dietitians.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Reduced risk of heart attack.
• Ability to recognize heart disease signs and symptoms.
• Improved ability to cope with heart disease.
• Introduction to a personalized exercise program that is effective, safe and appropriate for your health, age and physical ability.
• Increased understanding of heart medications.
• Assistance in preparing to return to work.
• Increased physical activity for work and recreation.
• Adoption of positive lifestyle changes to improve quality of life.

Phase I
The first phase of rehabilitation through the Cardiovascular Fitness program provides psychological and social support and education for hospitalized heart patients. In addition, this phase moves toward increasing our patient’s level of activity.

Road To Recovery
This follow-up visit for open-heart surgery patients takes place 10 to 14 days after discharge from the hospital. In this early orientation, we help open heart patients:

• Continue the process of emotional recovery and healing from open heart surgery;
• Learn specially designed range-of-motion exercises to increase flexibility and assist in healing;
• Become familiar with new, prescribed physical activities;
• Learn the importance of entering cardiac rehabilitation following open heart surgery.

Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation
This early convalescent outpatient phase is designed for those recovering from a heart attack, bypass surgery, stable angina, arrhythmia, stabilized congestive heart failure or angioplasty.

Sessions in Phase II provide intensified education and counseling in risk factor modification. Patients learn how to make healthy changes in diet, activity level and daily living that will contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Exercise is individualized, progressive, monitored and supervised. Patients attend sessions three times a week for up to 12 weeks. The length of Phase II may vary based on medical status and reimbursement potential. Prospective patients are encouraged to verify coverage through their medical insurance carrier. CV Fitness staff are available to help guide you through this process.

CV Fitness Information
Upon registration, a physician’s referral is necessary, as are your medical records. A graded exercise test is generally required prior to entering Phase II and Lifeworx.

Absenteeism/Tardiness
Consistent attendance at your regularly scheduled sessions is necessary to achieve the potential benefits from the cardiac rehab program. If you find it necessary to cancel a session, please notify the department prior to the start of your session by calling 410–337–1366. If you arrive late for your scheduled session, you may not be able to participate that day.

Location and Parking
Parking for patients and visitors is available in the Patient/Visitor parking garage located next to the O'Dea Medical Arts Building. Effective July 1, charges for parking are: In and out within 30 minutes is free, 31 minutes to 1 hour $3, 1 hour to 3 hours is $4, 3 hours to 6 hours is $5 and over 6 hours is $6. Effective January 1, 2007, a conditioned shuttle ride from your vehicle to the temporary main entrance or to the O'Dea Building.

There are also 20 designated "15 minute parking" spaces available at the temporary main entrance.

Discount parking passes can be purchased from the Cashier's Office, located on the first floor of the medical center.

Patients and visitors are cautioned not to park in reserved areas or certain restricted areas. Please be sure to lock your car. If something happens which causes you to need assistance with your vehicle, please call the Security department. From outside the medical center, call 410-337-1919; in-house, dial extension 3333.

For more information, call CV Fitness at 410–337–1366.