What is the Cardiac Rehab Program?

Our Saint Alphonsus locations in both Boise and Nampa, Idaho and Ontario and Baker City, Oregon are pleased to offer certified cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) programs designed to help patients who have had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, coronary stent, heart transplant, heart valve repair or replacement, or heart-related chest discomfort (angina). 

Under the direction of a cardiologist, a multidisciplinary team composed of a cardiac nurse, respiratory therapist and an exercise specialist design an individualized care plan for each patient with the goal of preventing future cardiovascular events.

Cardiac rehab is proven to increase the rate of recovery and significantly diminish the possibility of another cardiovascular episode. Both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend cardiac rehab programs.

To obtain a referral to cardiac rehabilitation contact your cardiologist or primary care provider;  if you need a primary care provider call 208-367-DOCS (3627).

Our multidisciplinary team within this program aims to:

  • Re-introduce a healthy regular exercise routine
  • Increase a patient' aerobic exercise capacity
  • Reduce cholesterol/lipid levels through lifestyle changes
  • Reduce or control other heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, stress, and obesity

If you have one of the following diagnoses you may be eligible to participate:

  • Heart Attack
  • Stable Chest Pain (Angina)
  • Coronary artery angioplasty or stent placement
  • Open heart surgery such as coronary bypass grafting or valve surgery
  • Heart transplantation
  • Heart Failure

What to Expect

Our multidisciplinary team, experienced in cardiac care and exercise physiology, oversee each patient's treatment plan. This team is able to provide expertise in complex cardiovascular patient case management including dietary management, smoking cessation, and lifestyle modification. An initial evaluation is conducted by a member of the cardiac rehab staff. This comprehensive evaluation and risk assessment include a physical examination, a 6-minute walk test, a nutrition evaluation, and a psychosocial assessment. Using this information, the Cardiac Rehabilitation team designs an effective program to meet each patient's individual needs and goals.

Exercise Program

Following the initial assessment, a personalized exercise regimen is designed for each patient. Patients attend group aerobic exercise sessions three times weekly. Depending on a patient's activity level and goals, exercise therapy may include stationary cycling, walking on a treadmill or elliptical and strength/isometric training. Patients warm up with various exercises before each session.

Nutrition Consultation

The staff members will assist each patient to develop a personal dietary plan. Patients are encouraged to attend our three-session educational series taught by a registered dietitian on heart-healthy eating. Topics include label reading, food shopping, eating out, menu planning and weight management.

Exit Interview

The exit interview summarizes each patient's participation and goal achievement. It also solidifies future plans for continued lifestyle change and maintenance. Staff collects information to examine and measure outcomes in the program, and a summary report of this interview is sent to their physician(s). Participants are also asked to complete an anonymous program evaluation.

Patient Maintenance Program

After program completion patients may choose to continue exercising at either the Downtown or West YMCA in our jointly sponsored Cardiac Rehabilitation Healthy Heart and Lungs Maintenance Program. A specially trained staff member at the YMCA will check each patient's blood pressure and pulse prior to and after exercise. In collaboration with the staff, the patient adjusts their own exercise workload. Our Cardiac Rehabilitation staff is available to field other questions or concerns that may arise.

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