Cardiac Rehabilitation
Helping Your Heart, Easing Your Mind
If you have a heart attack, have heart surgery, or learn you have a heart condition, life changes. Cardiac rehabilitation at Benefis Health System can help you adjust physically and emotionally.
Our cardiac rehab team makes it possible to retake control of your heart health and lower your risk for additional heart problems in the future. We strive to improve your quality of life and put your mind at ease.
Goals of Rehab
In general, cardiac rehab focuses on three areas:
Exercise Training
Physical activity can strengthen your heart and improve your overall health. However, after experiencing heart problems, some people worry about being active.
Your rehab team will take your medical history and any physical limitations into account before designing your exercise program. They’ll also carefully monitor you as you exercise to make sure your activity is safe, and you remain comfortable.
Education
Taking control of any risk factors for heart problems, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and diabetes will be especially important moving forward. You’ll learn how to do this during rehab.
Your rehab team may also guide you in making healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly.
Emotional Support and Stress Reduction
It’s not uncommon to feel depressed, fearful, or even angry. But these feelings may interfere with your recovery.
Counselors can help you deal with them and reduce your stress levels. They may also help you rebuild confidence in yourself – something that may be vital for your healing.
Your Team
Your cardiac rehab team may include:
- Cardiologists
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Exercise specialists
- Dietitians
- Other providers
They will help you establish goals and tailor your rehab program to your specific needs.
Joining the Program
Outpatient cardiac rehab requires a referral from your provider. Insurance plans and Medicare often cover the cost, but it’s a good idea to verify your coverage ahead of time.
Generally, rehab sessions occur a few times a week for about three months.
