Cardiac Rehabilitation
Contact: 605-589-3341
St. Michael’s Hospital Avera offers Outpatient Phase 2 and Maintenance Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Outpatient Phase 2 begins shortly after the patient leaves the hospital. It can last up to a few months. During Phase 2 the patient will receive training on what exercises to do, how much to do and how to properly perform the exercises. The patient will receive information on other ways to reduce risk for heart problems. St. Michael’s Cardiac Rehabilitation patients also receive support and encouragement from the rehab staff.
Phase 2 rehabilitation may take place in a combination of locations – in the healthcare facility’s rehab department, in the patient’s home or a combination of both.
Maintenance Phase 3 is carried out by St. Michael’s Hospital Avera Physical Therapy department. During this phase the patient will build on the training given during Phase 2. Then the therapists will work with the patient to integrate a heart-healthy lifestyle into their daily routine.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is more than an exercise program. It is a total program for heart health. It is often designed by a team of cardiac rehab specialists who guide the patient in reducing risks for future heart attack and stroke.
Typically cardiac rehabilitation begins in the hospital under the care of a physician. It can also begin in an outpatient setting. The patient will start with supervised gentle exercise session. During this time the patient is closely monitored to make sure the exercise is safe. The patient will also learn how to monitor his/her own heart rate. As the heart and body get stronger, the exercise will slowly increase. Once the patient is comfortable with the program, (s)he is encouraged to continue it in his/her own home.
Safe exercise is just one part of a cardiac rehab program. Patients are also encouraged to make other changes to their lifestyle:
- Quit smoking
- Manage related health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Eat a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
- Control weight
- Relax and manage stress
