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Cardiac Rehab
The specialized nursing staff includes from left to right: Marsha Warsaw, RN, Melissa Stiger, RN, Eileen Woolums, RN, BSN, Kathy Hustedt, RN.
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Gibson Area Hospital is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness. The program includes monitored exercise therapy, and emotional support, as well as educational information on risk factor modification and heart healthy diet . Specific programs are designed to meet the individual needs of each participant.
The program is helpful for those patients who have had a heart attack, open-heart surgery, valve replacement coronary angioplasty, arthrectomy, or who have experienced episodes of stable angina and other cardiac conditions.
Why do I need Cardiac Rehab?
After experiencing a cardiac event such as those just described, it is important to participate in a program that will help you return to a healthier and productive lifestyle.
Often, uncertainty can produce a fear of a recurring cardiac problem, and a medically-supervised program such as this can be essential to regaining confidence in your body’s ability to function in your work and leisure activities.
What are the goals of GAH Cardiac Rehabilitation
- To increase exercise tolerance and therefore promote cardiovascular fitness.
- To identify participants’ risk factors for heart disease and teach appropriate modifications to those risks.
- To instruct participants regarding signs and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction.
- To reinforce the importance of prompt reporting of signs of cardiac dysfunction.
- To provide support as needed.
- To encourage participants in desired recreational pursuits.
- To provide doctor information reguarding signs and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction.
For your doctor...this program can
- Serve as a communication tool between the physician and participant.
- Provide valuable information regarding the participant’s progress.
- Provide specific guidelines and motivation for physical activity.
- Serve as a single resource for the patient’s educational information and emotional support.
- Provide information on heart rate and rhythm before, during and after exercise.
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Phase I
Phase I of Cardiac Rehabilitation is completed during your hospital stay. After Phase I, most patients go on to Phase II, a program combining progressive exercise and education.
Phase II
Phase II of Cardiac Rehabilitation consists of up to 12 weeks of exercise and education, conducted on an outpatient basis.
After a physician referral, the participant is given a prescription for exercise. These sessions will be conducted under the supervision of a registered nurse with advanced training in cardiac life support and cardiac rehabilitation.
Thus, each participant is closely monitored by a medical professional for changes in heart rhythm rate and blood pressure.
Phase III
Phase III is an intermediate RN monitored program designed to help transition the participant from Phase II to an independent fitness program. Risk education is continued during Phase III. Phase III is also available to those at high risk for developing heart disease.
How do I start? Will insurance cover the cost?
You must have a physician’s prescription to participate in Gibson Area Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. When prescribed by a physician, most insurance companies, including Medicare, will usually pay for all or part of the cost of cardiac rehabilitation.
The referring physician need not be a member of Gibson Area Hospital’s active medical staff or consulting staff of medical specialists. Any licensed physician may write a prescription so that your cardiac rehabilitation program can be started conveniently close to home to encourage your participation.
A member of the hospital’s active medical staff will be the Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and is available for consultation with your referring physician.
Should a medical emergency occur during your exercise session, it is reassuring to know that our emergency department physicians and staff are available in the hospital to respond quickly to assist the registered nurse in charge of your program.
Who do I contact?
Please contact your primary care physician to ask if you might benefit from Gibson Community Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
Gibson Area Hospital
217-784-4251
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department
217-784-2667
cardiacrehab@gibsonhospital.org
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