Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you’ve had a heart attack or heart surgery, you’ll increase your strength and feel better through our rehabilitation program

After a heart attack or heart procedure, you’ll need help getting back on your feet. Rehabilitation is an important part of your recovery. At Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s Regional Heart Center, you’ll benefit from an individualized program of supervised exercise and health education that focuses on lifestyle changes. Beyond the obvious benefit of improved heart health, our cardiac rehabilitation program also may help you increase strength, control your weight, lower your blood pressure, increase your endurance and improve your self-confidence.

While You’re in the Hospital

This is where your rehabilitation begins. After consulting with your doctor, our cardiac rehab staff will assess your physical condition and discuss the next steps of your rehabilitation process with you.

Two-to-Eight Weeks Later

Your doctor will determine when the next stage of your rehabilitation starts. You’ll begin a 12-week exercise program, specially designed and individualized for people who have had heart surgery, a heart attack or chest pain. Three times per week, you’ll be monitored by registered nurses and exercise physiologists while you participate in mild aerobic exercise. All exercises will be individualized according to your capabilities and needs.

Complement Your Home Exercise Program

After completing the 12-week program, you can participate in a partially-monitored exercise program. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that a member of our rehab staff will check on your progress three times during the exercise session. You’ll keep your own time, take and record your own heart rate and evaluate your own exertion level.

ARTICLE TOOLS: