Cardiac Rehabilitation

---

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help heart patients recover quickly and improve their overall physical and mental capacity. Cardiac rehabilitation may follow coronary bypass surgery, heart attack, stable angina pectoris heart valve repair or replacement, PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), coronary stenting, or a heart and lung transplant. Patients with ventricular assist devices can also benefit from our program.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation include, but are not limited to:

• Longer life and decreased chances of another heart attack
• Control of heart disease symptoms
• Stop or reverse damage to the blood vessels in the heart
• Improve stamina and strength

On The Road to Recovery
After experiencing a cardiac event, you may feel as if your energy and physical activity will never return to the level you once enjoyed. In fact, many cardiac patients can achieve an active, productive lifestyle through the personalized cardiac rehabilitation program at Bravera Health Brooksville and Seven Rivers. Our program will help you regain strength and endurance through an individualized diet and exercise regimen. Program activities are directed by our team of professionals with special training in coronary care. This team will educate you and your family regarding practical steps for reducing your heart disease risk factors and avoiding future cardiac problems.

Taking The First Step
When your doctor refers you to the cardiac rehab program, a member of our cardiac rehabilitation team will explain our program in depth. You and your family will receive education regarding managing your care, activities of daily living, medication prescribed by your physician, diet modification and risk factor reduction.

Staying on Track
Our team will devise a custom made plan for you. Our cardiac rehabilitation team will review your medical history, help you set realistic goals and guide you through an individualized program of exercise. Exercise sessions may include use of the treadmills, recumbent bicycles and other exercise equipment during this phase of our program. You will also participate in educational sessions focused on heart disease, angina, risk factors, stress management, and proper diet and exercise. Family members are encouraged to attend these sessions as well. In addition, guest speakers periodically present mini-lectures on a variety of topics related to cardiac health.

Continuing the Journey
Once you've completed the program, you'll want to maintain the level of activity and fitness you've worked so hard to achieve. Bravera Health Brooksville and Seven Rivers have an exercise maintenance phase of your cardiac recovery. Our cardiac rehabilitation team will work with you to develop a personalized fitness program that helps you maintain the level of health and fitness you achieved during outpatient rehabilitation.

FAQs

Q.  When can I start cardiac rehabilitation?

Patients typically begin cardiac rehabilitation two to six weeks following a cardiac event/procedure or a release from your cardiologist.

Q.  How do I get into a cardiac rehabilitation program?

Have a discussion with your primary care physician or cardiologist regarding cardiac rehabilitation. If you have had a heart attack in the past 12 months, coronary bypass and/or valve surgery, coronary angioplasty or stent, heart or heart and lung transplant, or angina you may qualify.

Q.  How long is the program?

The program is typically three days a week, up to 12 weeks or 36 sessions.

Q.  Does my insurance cover the cost?

Most private insurance programs will cover four to 12 weeks and Medicare/Medicaid will cover 80 percent of the cost for three days per week for 12 weeks. Before you enter the program, your referring physician will be responsible for obtaining pre-authorization for this service. One of the cardiac rehabilitation staff will confirm this has taken place before your registration and initial evaluation.

Q.  What do I bring to registration and initial evaluation?

Please bring your insurance card and photo identification.

Q.  What do I bring to your sessions?

Please wear comfortable ‘workout’ clothes and sneakers.  Please do not bring valuables.

Q.  How can I actively take part in my rehabilitation?

• Educate yourself about your specific heart condition
• Learn what you can do to help your heart
• Follow the treatment plan and attend all your sessions
• Ask questions throughout your rehabilitation
• Report any symptoms or problems that you are having while undergoing rehabilitation to your health care provider

Q.  Who else can help during rehabilitation?

Family members and friends can make a difference. They may want to learn more about heart problems so their help can be even more valuable. For example, family members may have to learn to let you do things for yourself. Or they may want to learn about preparing heart-healthy meals. Your family and friends can give you emotional support as you adjust to a new, healthier lifestyle.

For more information, call:

Brooksville: (352) 544-6041
Seven Rivers: (352) 228-4940