CARDIAC REHABILITATION
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team works with
patients to improve functional capacity, alleviate or lessen symptoms
related to physical activity, reduce disability and identify and modify
multiple risk factors to decrease subsequent cardiovascular morbidity
and mortality. The program utilizes a holistic,
comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. It is open to anyone who has
had a heart attack, open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent placement,
angina, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), and other various
cardiac events or procedures. It is also open to anyone whos is at risk
for coronary artery disease. The program is also open to anyone
who is at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and for anyone who is
interested in the program for preventive measures. The Cardiac
Rehabilitation Program at Noble Hospital provides Phase I, Phase II,
Phase III, and Phase IV to the community
of Westfield and the surrounding areas. Most insurance companies cover Phase I, II, and often Phase III.
Phase I Program
The Phase I program begins in the hospital setting. According to the exercise prescription recommended by the physician, limited exercise is initiated under hospital supervision. The Critical Care Nurses initiate patient education which includes: what is a heart attack, what is angina, what are signs and symptoms of heart disease, and what are cardiac risk factors. The Registered Dietitian begins teaching the importance of following a cardiac diet based on the recommendations of the American Heart Association. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse and the Exercise Physiologists are consulted with a physician's order to begin patient needs assessment, and response to exercise, treating each patient individually according to heart condition, age, and endurance.
Phase II & III Program
The Phase II/III program is a physician-referred
outpatient service. The initial visit with the Cardiac Rehabilitation
Nurse identifies individual risk factors in order to plan the lifestyle
changes needed to improve the patient's quality of life. This process
includes an outpatient assessment under the guidance of the Medical
Director.
Exercise Program: Our new Cardiopulmonary Center is equipped with a variety of cardiovascular
equipment and weight resistance machines. The exercise program is individually
tailored to each participant. The program objective is to return you to your maximum
capability. For your safety, your exercise will be continually monitored by out
staff who will observe your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure.
Nutritional Education: You and your significant other will have the opportunity to meet with the dietitian
individually to obtain advice on low-fat, low cholesterol, American Heart Association
approved diet. There are bi-weekly nutritional classes offered covering topics
such as: cardiac diets, diabetic diets, nutritional label reading, tips for eating
out, grocery shopping, cooking classes, and recipe modification. We also offer
bi-monthly Heart Smart Dinners.
Stress Management: Group support and stress reduction sessions are provided on a weekly basis.
Introduction to Tai Chi, Music Therapy, Humor Therapy, and other forms of stress
reduction are available to you and your significant other.
Medication Management: Our hospital Pharmacist conducts monthly informational classes to review cardiac
medications and answer any individual questions you may have about your current
medication regimen.
Smoking Cessation: The latest pharmacologic therapy combined with behavioral and cognitive techniques
are provided to prevent the possibility of relapse and maximize the patient's
comfort level while remaining "smoke free".
Phase IV Program
Phase IV is an exercise maintenance program for those patients who have successfully
completed the Phase II/III program, and wish to continue a structured exercise
routine with the opportunity for advancement.
Regular individualized exercise programs including treadmill, stationary bicycle,
recumbent stair stepper, arm ergometer and optional weight training, as well as
the above mentioned educational classes are offered for a minimal fee per visit.
Program Hours
Phase II/III Cardiac Rehabilitation is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
For further information about our program call
413-568-2811 Ext. 5829
Fax: 413-572-5086
