Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation at Loyola Medicine

Loyola Medicine is proud to offer a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program in the Chicagoland area for patients who have experienced a cardiac event or surgery. Available at select Loyola Medicine locations, our goal is help you improve your long-term quality of life. We take a multidisciplinary approach, combining skills and experience for all patients from cardiologists, exercise physiologists, and exercise specialists.

Cardiac Rehab Program Overview

Our cardiac rehabilitation program is a medically monitored exercise and education program that includes three phases:

• Phase I: In-patient
• Phase II: Out-patient
• Phase III: Out-patient maintenance program

The program focuses on increasing cardiovascular fitness, muscular strengthening, risk factor education, as well as risk reduction for a recurrent cardiac event.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are comprehensive, medically supervised initiatives designed to enhance the health and well-being of individuals recovering from heart conditions. These programs offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to improved physical fitness, reduced symptoms, and a better quality of life.

• Enhanced exercise capacity: Structured exercise regimens help build endurance and strength, enabling individuals to engage in daily activities with greater ease.
• Blood pressure management: Regular participation can lead to lowered blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and decreasing the risk of future cardiac events.
• Improved cholesterol levels: Rehabilitation programs often result in better cholesterol profiles, which are crucial for cardiovascular health.
• Stress reduction: Incorporating stress management techniques aids in alleviating mental strain, contributing to overall heart health.
• Weight control: Guidance on nutrition and exercise assists in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, further supporting cardiovascular function.

Engaging in a cardiac rehabilitation program not only facilitates recovery but also equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to lead healthier, more active lives. By focusing on personalized care, Loyola Medicine is committed to guiding patients through every step of their rehabilitation journey.

Find additional cardiac rehabilitation patient resources from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Eligibility

Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for those who have experienced any of the following:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Coronary angioplasty
• Coronary bypass surgery (Open heart surgery)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Cardiac stent placement
• Ventricular assist device (VAD)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Loyola is committed to tailoring a cardiac rehabilitation plan that is right for you. In all treatment plans, we promote the life skills necessary to improve heart health, resume routine, and regain your normal activity levels.

The length of your cardiac rehabilitation program will be tailored to your specific health needs, goals, and progress. While some individuals complete their program in a few weeks, others may benefit from a longer course of rehabilitation to achieve optimal results. Your care team will work with you to ensure you get the support and guidance needed for lasting improvements in your heart health.

We encourage you to check with your health insurance provider to understand your coverage for cardiac rehabilitation. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and private insurers, offer coverage for these programs, but benefits and out-of-pocket costs may vary. If you need assistance, our team is happy to help guide you through the process.

What is Cardiac Rehab?

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a medically supervised exercise program that can help you safely strengthen your heart after a cardiac event, procedure, or surgery. These exercise programs help patients recover, improve cardiovascular and muscular strength, increase confidence, and enhance overall quality of life.

Examples of heart conditions/procedures that require CR:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Coronary angioplasty
• Coronary bypass surgery (Open heart surgery)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Cardiac stent placement
• Ventricular assist device (VAD)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Certified clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) and/or registered nurses (RN) monitor patients during their CR exercise sessions. Each team at Loyola Medicine is specifically trained in cardiac rehabilitation to ensure the highest quality of care for patients during their visits and throughout the program.

Generally, there are three phases that patients will complete during the CR process:

Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation

After you have experienced a heart condition or cardiac procedure, this phase takes place while you recover in the hospital.

As you recover, our experts will monitor and assess your physical abilities, educate you on risk factors related to your condition, and determine safe exercises to help with your mobility during your hospital recovery.

Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation

Typically held in an outpatient clinic or facility, this phase is for patients who have had a recent cardiac diagnosis, surgery, or procedure, and starts about two to four weeks after hospital discharge.

Your CR professionals will create an individualized exercise program for you. The program includes cardiovascular and muscular exercises, stretching, balance techniques, and education. Each patient is monitored through EKG telemetry and also has their vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and weight) checked each visit.

Usually, patients are approved for 36 visits by their health insurance. However, this is not guaranteed. Exercise sessions are completed 3 days per week over a course of 12 weeks.

Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation

Phase III is only offered at MacNeal Hospital.

Phase III is a self-pay program meaning you only pay when you come. It is an extension of Phase II with a further emphasis on achieving your goals through self-structured exercise sessions. It's designed to help you continue to maintain a healthier lifestyle, building on the foundation of the previous two phases. Cardiac rehabilitation professionals supervise the Phase III exercise program. You can join our Phase III exercise program without attending Phase II, as it's designed as a maintenance program for all individuals – not just cardiac patients.

What Should I Expect During Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Typically, your heart rate, weight and blood pressure will be checked during each cardiac rehabilitation session. You may do aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bicycling or rowing.

You may also do strength training, weight lifting, stretching and balance training. Your cardiac rehab instructor may also discuss lifestyle changes that can help your heart and will make sure that your program is right for your specific needs. They will make sure you feel comfortable, heard and empowered throughout each session.

Cardiac rehabilitation is offered at Loyola Medicine Burr Ridge and MacNeal Hospital.

Cardiac Rehab Patient Testimonials 

"Constant monitoring of my health condition while exercising and staff let me know when to work harder or slower depending on my heart condition."

"Great and attentive personnel. Staff provides good maintenance and cardio management exercises, and very caring."

"Always top quality care. Highly organized and friendly staff."

"The staff in the cardiac rehab department are amazing. They are wonderful with working with the patients to meet our goal. They cheer us on. They are just always very helpful and caring. Your service is tops."

"Excellent staff in cardio rehab, thoughtful knowledgeable and attentive. Everybody is super qualified, professional, and treat you with respect."

"The cardiac rehab staff is excellent beyond words. They are both professional and personable and make sure you are monitored and the care you receive is helping your recovery."

Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET)

Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) is offered at MacNeal Hospital only. SET involves the use of intermittent walking exercise for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Patients with PAD have greater functional impairment and increased rates of mobility loss. SET aims to improve walking ability, improve overall function, and increase heart-related quality of life for patients.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease?

PAD is a fairly common condition where the arteries become narrowed, impeding blood flow to the body's extremities. This, in turn, also causes intermittent claudication (IC), a muscle pain and cramping that occurs in the legs while doing activity or walking.

SET can help those with PAD to increase their distance to onset of pain, while also it can help PAD patients become active in their everyday life.