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Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services are medically supervised and monitored exercise and educational programs for individuals with heart disease or chronic lung disease. Through cardiopulmonary rehab services, participants are helped to safely reach and maintain their optimal level of exercise and activity needed to perform their daily activities.

Cardiopulmonary rehab is an outpatient program designed to optimize a cardiac or pulmonary patient's physical, emotional and social functioning. The overall goal is to increase muscle strength, endurance and increase their ability to perform daily activities with less effort while improving the overall physical, emotional and social health. This program is also designed to help patients with cardiovascular and/or chronic lung disease reduce symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue while increasing lung capacity. Other goals of cardiopulmonary rehab include reducing your risk of hospitalization; stabilization of or decreased cardiac or pulmonary symptoms; to limit the effect of heart disease on your everyday living; and to educate you on modifiable risk factors through education, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Candidates for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation may include those who have been diagnosed with or experienced:

  • Myocardial infarctions (heart attacks)
  • Cardiac stenting
  • Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (open heart surgery)
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Heart valve surgery
  • Stable angina
  • Heart or heart-lung transplant
  • Risk factors for coronary artery disease
  • Lung diseases, such as COPD, emphysema, asthma and/or pulmonary fibrosis
  • Pulmonary Hypertension and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Testing)

A doctor's referral is necessary for admission to the program. If you do not have a doctor, we will be happy to refer you to a physician. In most cases, Phase II is a reimbursable service under Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies with a qualifying diagnosis and a physician’s referral. Ask your physician for a cardiac or pulmonary rehab referral today.

Cardiopulmonary rehab phase II typically consists of a 12-week monitored exercise program individualized to fit your needs, as well as educational sessions on topics such as cardiac risk factors, healthy eating, stress management and understanding your medications. Exercise is monitored by an experienced team of professionals that includes registered nurses, respiratory therapists, registered dietitians and social workers. Regular reports are sent to your physician for his or her review. These exercise sessions are completed in a small group with other participants who have experienced similar health issues.

Here at Perry County Memorial Hospital cardiopulmonary rehab, we have been awarded the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) Certification. We are one of only a few in the region to obtain this certification, and we follow the specific guidelines set by the AACVPR for exercise and education.

When a patient completes Phase II of the program, they can choose to continue as a Phase III participant for as long as they wish. Phase III is a long-term maintenance program designed to provide a supportive environment for permanent lifestyle changes. Exercise classes, stress management and dietary support remain available throughout the program. A small fee is charged for Phase III maintenance sessions.

Cardiopulmonary Rehab also offers other services to the public, including:

  • Allergy Injections
  • Blood pressure checks for outpatients
  • Cardiology clinics
  • Diabetes education
  • Holter monitor and event monitors
  • Pacemaker clinics
  • Stress testing