Managing heart disease can mean a significant life change for many patients. For those who have experienced a recent heart attack, or other heart problems, cardiac rehabilitation is often part of the aftercare plan recommended by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. The purpose of cardiac rehabilitation is to help patients and their families adjust to these changes while learning to live life to the fullest. At Saint Barnabas Medical Center, the cardiac rehabilitation process is dynamic and ongoing and provides patients with personalized exercise programs and heart-smart lifestyle changes.
Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to assist you in establishing a healthy lifestyle by:
- helping you regain strength
- preventing your condition from worsening
- reducing your risk of future heart problems
The nationally accredited Jaqua Foundation Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center is located in the East Wing of the Medical Center.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Saint Barnabas
While many people associate cardiac rehabilitation with exercise, the program reaches far beyond the advantages of a gym. Cardiac Rehabilitation at Saint Barnabas offers patients an educational and supportive program in addition to a cardiovascular workout monitored by trained medical professionals. Cardiologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and critical care nurses form a team dedicated to total heart health.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program consists of the following components:
- Physical Activity: An individualized program is based on your exercise stress test results, medical history and physician prescription. Your cardiac rehabilitation team will make sure the program moves at a comfortable pace and one that's safe for you. Best results are achieved by exercising two to three times a week.
- Lifestyle Education: You will receive support and education on making lifestyle changes and breaking unhealthy habits. Ongoing group education addresses topics such as nutrition, stress management, medications, diabetes and home exercise.
- Counseling and Support: Adjusting to a serious health problem often takes time. Guidance is available to assist you and your family in attaining a more healthy and active lifestyle.
Who is Eligible for Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Some of the conditions or procedures that may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Chest pain (angina)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Certain congenital heart diseases
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Angioplasty and stents
- Heart transplant
- Heart valve replacements
Program Benefits
Recent medical studies show that Cardiac Rehabilitation reduces the risk of death after cardiac illness by 20 to 25 percent—a benefit level similar to that of statin drugs, beta blockers and aspirin—and improves physical strength and endurance by 20 to 50 percent.
It is also documented that cardiac rehabilitation may:
- improve the efficiency of your heart muscle as a pump
- enhance your sense of well being and self confidence
- identify poor health habits and cardiac risk factors in order to help you achieve a better quality of life
- increase your ability to manage stress
Insurance Information
Most insurance providers recognize the importance of the cardiac rehabilitation and will cover this treatment. Interested individuals should speak with their physicians, as this is a medical program that requires a physician referral.
How to Get Started
For more information, please call The Jaqua Foundation Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center at
(973) 322-5006.
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