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Desmond P. McDonald began a 12-week program at The Jaqua Foundation Cardiac Rehabiliation Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center after a cardiologist confirmed that he had suffered several angina attacks. The Essex Fells resident was so pleased with the results that he chose to continue with the supervised program. “Why stop something that is working?” says Mr. McDonald. “Frankly, the way it is done here has become a part of my life and I feel more secure with specialists monitoring my progress. In a gym I would be on my own and, after a certain amount of time, I would stop going. Here we understand each other and it is a supportive situation.” Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 1.5 million Americans having heart attacks each year. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, heart attacks affect people of varied age, with five percent occurring in those younger than 40 and forty-five percent occurring in people under age 65. Managing heart disease can mean significant life change. For those who have experienced a recent heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, catheter procedure or have angina, cardiac rehabilitation is often part of the aftercare plan recommended by the American Medical Association and their physician. The purpose of cardiac rehabilitation is to help patients and families adjust to these changes while learning to live life to the fullest. “After a cardiac event, heart patients try to put the pieces of their lives back together,” says Maureen Smith, R.N., B.S., Program Coordinator for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. “Patients facing their own mortality may experience the same feelings one might have after a major accident. They are frightened that life is never going to be the same again. Our patient surveys tell us that one of the most important aspects of our cardiac rehabilitation program is that it helps people regain their confidence in living.” Despite the many documented benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, studies show only 11-20 percent of all eligible heart patients partake of these programs. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that cardiac rehabilitation provides substantial benefits including: improvement of exercise tolerance; decrease of symptoms and lower blood lipid levels; reduction in cigarette smoking; reduction in stress and improvement of well-being; and most importantly a reduction in hospitalization and mortality. What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? While many people associate cardiac rehabilitation with exercise, the program reaches far beyond the advantages of a gym. As a medical facility, Cardiac Rehabilitation at Saint Barnabas offers patients an educational and supportive program in addition to a cardiovascular workout monitored by trained medical professionals. Nutritionists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and critical care nurses form a team dedicated to total heart health. During the traditional 12-week, 36-visit program, patients meet with specialists and design a plan of care to address individual goals and health needs. The risk of heart disease can be reduced when patients identify and/or control risk factors. Inherent risk factors for heart disease include: age (greater age equals greater risk); gender (men have a greater incidence of heart disease; a woman’s risk rises after menopause); race (high blood pressure occurs twice as often in the African American population); and family history (genetics play a strong role). Acquired risk factors include smoking, lack of exercise, diet high in sodium, obesity, consuming too much alcohol, stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and diabetes. “We are not going to change your family history of heart disease, but we may be able to help you with other personal risk factors,” says George Demidowich, M.D., cardiologist and Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Saint Barnabas. “By learning to modify or avoid their acquired risk factors, those with heart disease reduce the chance of future problems.” A program of both anaerobic (weight lifting, resistance training) and aerobic (treadmills, stationary bicycles) exercise is individualized for each patient. Equipment ranges from dual action airdyne bikes and Nordic™ tracks to Stairmasters™ and rowing machines. Patients should not feel intimidated by the gym equipment because they can work out at very low levels using small weights and even a mini trampoline. Most importantly, patients exercise with others who have similar health problems, all in a medically-supervised environment. After completing the 12-week program, patients have the option of continuing for an additional three months at the Medical Center with cardiac rehabilitation at their own expense or joining The Center for Health and Wellness at Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). The Center at the ACC, an exercise facility for individuals with special health conditions, provides a staff of exercise physiologists, personal trainers, specialty instructors and a registered nurse under the guidance of a Medical Director. For a reasonable rate, members receive personalized fitness programs, a health assessment and access to the facility. No matter which programs they pursue in the future, patients are launched in a heart healthy direction through their time at Cardiac Rehabilitation. For information about Cardiac Rehabilitation at Saint Barnabas,please call (973) 322-8789. To arrange a tour of The Center for Health and Wellness at the ACC, please call Suggestions for a Successful Cardiac Rehabilitation Become a partner, along with your physician, in your care. Once you feel actively involved in the process, and not just a recipient of advice, change comes more easily. Try to incorporate changes into your lifestyle without thinking of them as a burden. By viewing changes positively, you may have an easier time maintaining them. Know the facts about your heart condition, your cholesterol level and the results of your stress test. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions of your physician and consider taking notes. Feel comfortable when making dietary requests at restaurants, such as having sauce on the side. Many restaurants help by indicating which meals are heart healthy. Taking care of your heart is a year-round process. Many people start an exercise program in the warm weather only to drop it when the cold months arrive. Some people view bypass and other surgeries as having “cured” their problem. While surgery addresses the immediate heart emergency, true heart health means working to prevent future episodes. Focus on identifying and managing your risk factors. [ top ] |
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