The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to modify the risks of hearth disease through a carefully structured four- to twelve-week program of monitored exercise and education. We welcome anyone who has had a recent heart attack, angioplasty, stable angina or coronary bypass surgery. The program may also benefit those with cardiac problems such as irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, heart transplant or valvular heart surgery.
- Increase cardiovascular fitness
- Modify risk factors for heart disease
- Understand the effects of diet, stress and exercise
- Return to a healthier, more active lifestyle
- Improve self confidence and sense of well-being
Once you have physician approval to begin the Outpatient 
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, our staff performs an evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination and a review of your recent cardiac stress test. Consulting with the referring physician, the staff develops an individual treatment plan, including an exercise prescription, for each patient.
Exercise
Each exercise session begins with a group warm-up, individualized cardiovascular conditioning, weight treatment and a cool-down. You are monitored to ensure your physical well-being and, based on your progress, your exercise prescription will be updated weekly.
Education
The following topics will help you understand the causes of heart disease and the role of behavior modification in the recovery process:
- Heart anatomy and physiology
- Heart disease
- Risk factors
- Cardiac medication
- Exercise benefits
- Cardiac diagnostic tests
- Heart-healthy diets
- Stress management
At the conclusion of the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, you and your referring physician and/or primary care physician will receive a detailed report of your progress and performance, with exercise guidelines and recommendations for continuing an exercise program on your own.
Schedule
The program operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday and participants attend three sessions per week for four to twelve weeks. Classes run approximately 1 1/2 hours and start at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Times are subject to change to meet patient and program needs.
Insurance
The program participates with Medicare, Medicaid, many HMOs and PPOs and most private insurance companies. Medicare now covers cardiac rehabilitation for patients with angioplasty, angioplasty with stent, valve repair, valve replacement, heart transplant or heart and lung transplant in addition to those already covered for coronary bypass surgery, stable angina or heart attack (within one year).
Staff
Program staff members are experienced in the care of patients with heart disease and have completed CPR and the American Heart Association's Advanced Cardiac Life Support course. There is a board-certified cardiologist who is a credentialed member of the hospital's medical staff, a clinical program manager, cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists and respiratory therapists.
HCGH also offers the following Cardiac Maintenance Programs:
HCGH Phase III Cardiac Maintenance Program
This medically-supervised exercise program lasts approximately one hour and includes taking your blood pressure and heart rate before, during and after exercise. The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. in the Outpatient Cardiac Rehab Department. Cost is $50 per month, payable the first of each month. For further information, call 443-718-3000.
Cardiac Support Group
Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month in the HCGH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Topics vary. For further information, call 443-718-3000.
Web Resources
Student Internship Program
Internship opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, health, nursing or other related fields.
For more information on the Student Internship Program, please call the clinical program manager at 443-718-3000.