People who have had a heart attack or open-heart surgery can improve their health by strengthening their heart muscle and learning about healthy lifestyle changes. Mercy’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team (Cardiologists, Exercise Specialist, Clinical Nurse, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, and Social Worker) are highly trained and skilled professionals who will work together with you, your family and physician, to help you maintain or achieve a high quality of life through recovery and reconditioning. The phases of rehabilitation are described below:

Phase I

This phase of cardiac rehabilitation services begins while you are recovering in the hospital. The goal of Phase I is to help you safely reach your highest level of physical activity possible immediately following a heart attack. This is accomplished through a combined exercise and education program.

Phase II

Phase II begins shortly after you are discharged from the hospital. The goal of this phase is to help you rebuild your physical endurance through a program that combines exercise and wellness information during a six to twelve week period. Once you achieve an optimal level of exercise capacity, you will have the option to progress to the next phase of cardiac rehabilitation, or follow a home exercise program. Referral Process for Phase II: Referral of Phase II should be made while you are still in the hospital. In most cases, you will be in Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase II shortly after you leave the hospital.

Candidates for Phase II include patients with diagnoses of:

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
• Cardiac transplantation
• Stable angina pectoris

How is a referral made? Your physician must refer you to the program. He or she will need to provide the following information:

• The results of a current (less than three months old) sign and symptom limited stress test.
• A complete medical history including a current list of medications you are taking.
• Angiographic information
• A report of surgery when appropriate

Once a referral is made, you will be scheduled for an initial orientation interview.

Phase III

Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase III is held two days a week at the hospital. This program focuses on continuing education for a healthful lifestyle and a less closely monitored exercise program that you do at your own pace.