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Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Vincent’s Birmingham is a physician directed, nurse supervised, monitored exercise, and education focused program to help patients with cardiovascular conditions. The program is designed to provide customized individual plans to guide patients during program participation. Our multidisciplinary team consists of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified registered nurses, an exercise specialist, registered dietitians, registered pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and registered diabetes educators to provide you the most up-to-date information relating to disease management. Our program is currently nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation organization. That means our staff has the required essential experiences and skills to dealing with a variety of issues that a life-changing cardiac diagnosis needs.
Expected Benefits from this Program
- Reduce symptoms of chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath
- Improve physical strength and exercise capacity
- Increase knowledge of heart management by preventing the occurrence and/or progression of cardiovascular disease
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke
- Improve blood cholesterol levels
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improve physical and mental well-being
Components of Cardiac Rehab Program
- Medical management
- Exercise
- Education
- Nutrition counseling
- Emotional support
Medical Management
Once you are enrolled, our team collaborates closely with our Medical Director to formulate a plan of care tailored just for you. Your progress will be updated and communicated with your physician. Adjustment of your rehabilitation plan may be modified to meet the changing condition of your cardiac status as needed.
Exercise
Our exercise specialist will formulate an exercise prescription based on your current functional level. Each week your exercise prescription will be modified to meet your physical demand. You will learn how to exercise safely and how to exercise within your target heart rate while learning monitoring skills during your exercise routine.
Education
Based on your initial evaluation, an education plan will be developed based on your own set of risk factors for heart disease. We provide weekly classes offered by our multidisciplinary team as well as individualized learning. Classes include the following topics:
- Healthy eating and nutritional education
- Emergency planning and disease management
- Risk factor modification
- Stress management
- Medication management
- Hypertension
- Self-monitoring skills during exercise
- Diabetes management
Nutrition Counseling
Your eating habits will be assessed during the admission process. A score will show how you are doing regarding healthy food choices. Recommendations will be made to assist you to achieve the optimum nutritional goal.
Emotional Support
Other cardiac patients with similar conditions will cheer you on as you are going through the program. They cheer for your success and provide encouragement. Our chaplain is available to help navigate your ups and downs.
Qualified Entrance to the Program - Cardiac Rehab Program
Our cardiac rehabilitation program is designed for patients with a variety of cardiac conditions. The following diagnoses are the most common to gain entry to the program.
- Post heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Post heart bypass surgery (CABG)
- Post heart valve repair or replacement
- Chronic chest pain or angina
- Post angioplasty or stent procedure
- Post heart transplant
- Congestive heart failure
Since this program is a medically supervised program, we will need a referral from your doctor that indicates the need for cardiac rehabilitation. The program generally lasts up to 6-18 weeks or 36 visits. Each session lasts one hour with 2-3 times per week attendance.
Hours of Operation
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 – 4:00pm
Tuesday & Friday: Individualized evaluation
Where to Park
Free parking is available in the Professional Building III (POB III) Deck. Valet service is also available and can be arranged in advance. For a printable campus map, click here.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans do cover a percentage of Cardiac Rehab. We encourage you to check with your provider on the back of your insurance card to verify coverage or cop-pay information.
Your First Appointment
You will have a one-on-one evaluation with a rehab professional to identify your risk factors for heart disease, to establish your personal and exercise goals, and to assess your current functional capacity. Please dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring your insurance card and your current medications list.
How to Contact Cardiac Rehabilitation
We are located at 833 St. Vincent’s Drive, Professional Building III Suite 100 on the ground floor. You may also contact us by calling 205-939-7139 or fax 205-930-2636. If you would like to learn more about our program, feel free to drop in and discuss with our professional staff.
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