At Deaconess Illinois Medical Center, we’re all heart. Cardiac rehabilitation services help people living with heart disease or who are recovering from a cardiac event like a heart attack or bypass surgery build endurance and strength. But it’s not all about the body’s strongest muscle. The program looks at the whole person, creating an individual plan that combines supervised exercise, education and lifestyle changes specific to each patient based on their age and abilities.

The team of therapists, nurses and clinicians work with you and your physician to develop a wellness program tailored just for you.

Participation requires an order from the admitting or consulting doctor.

Cardiac rehabilitation is generally part of treatment for:

• Acute Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
• Angioplasty
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Coronary Stenting
• Heart Transplant
• Heart Valve Repair/Replacement Surgery
• Stable Angina

Program goals include:

• Achieving optimal cardiac and general health
• Getting back to a normal or near-normal lifestyle and optimal activity
• Preventing negative physical and psychological effects of inactivity
• Promoting cardiovascular fitness as an ongoing part of lifestyle
• Reducing risk factors for coronary disease

The rehabilitation staff educates participants on heart-related topics, such as:

• Diabetes Management
• Guidelines for Activity at Home
• Healthy Nutrition
• Heart Attack/Stroke Warning Signs
• Heart Disease Basics
• Medication Management
• Risk Factor Reduction
• Safety Precaution with Activity

Program benefits include:

• Decreased risk factors for coronary heart disease
• Improved ability to cope with stress and anxiety
• Improved blood cholesterol levels
• Improved blood pressure control
• Improved body flexibility
• Improved stamina
• Improved weight management
• Safe exercise habits
• Support group participations