Heart patients who benefit include those who have had:

• a heart attack or other forms of heart disease, such as angina
• bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, stent placement or other heart surgery or
• a heart transplant

Cardiac rehab programs focus on exercise, education, counseling, and behavior change. Exercise is usually done in a group setting, but is personalized to each patient's specific need. Education focuses on managing heart disease, meeting dietary goals, understanding self-management, and following a treatment plan. Counseling identifies high-risk behaviors. Behavior change skills are taught on how to adopt low risk healthy behaviors.

Cardiac rehab programs are crucial for recovery. A program may be started when a heart disease patient is in the hospital and last from several weeks to several months. The rehab team is made up of nurses, doctors, therapists, dietitians, and other specialists. It is very important to adhere to instructions, ask questions, and report any symptoms. Heart monitoring is always available. Be sure to check with your insurance company before starting a cardiac rehab program to find out what benefits you have.

For more information about Fort Loudoun Medical Center’s cardiac rehabilitation or wellness program, contact Fort Loudoun Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at (865) 271-6030.

For more heart health information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association, call the national office at (800) 242-8721, or visit their website at www.americanheart.org. For information on patient support groups, call Mended Hearts, Inc. at (888) 432-7899 or visit their website at www.mendedhearts.org.