Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation
At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Medical Center, cardiac fitness is an individualized, step-by-step program designed to support each patient's specific cardiovascular needs.
We collaborate with Providence Tarzana Medical Center to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate services possible to the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley communities.
The program safely and effectively helps you overcome some of the physical complications of heart disease by building strength and endurance. These exercises and treatments also help reduce further risks for developing additional heart problems.
In collaboration with your doctors, our team of cardiac rehab specialists, registered nurses, exercise physiologists and certified diabetic educators evaluates your needs and designs a program specifically for you.
This process includes:
- A medical evaluation to assess your physical abilities, medical limitations, and other relevant conditions and psychosocial needs.
- A telemetry-monitored exercise program with heart rate, blood pressure and glucose monitoring to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Equipment includes treadmills, elliptical machines, arm cycles, stationary bicycles, weight equipment and free weights, among others.
- Lifestyle education to help you improve overall health and reduce the risk of experiencing another life-threatening cardiac event. Our Smarter Weight program and Freedom From Smoking programs provide you with the tools and services you need.
- Psychosocial support to help you cope with anxiety or depression that may result from your condition or illness. You may benefit from our monthly cardiac support group facilitated by a registered nurse or our education series that deals with issues of stress management.
Our specific cardiac rehab services provide rehabilitation and fitness solutions customized to support the unique needs of patients recovering from cardiovascular diseases and conditions. In order to satisfy these unique needs, our cardiac rehab and fitness services may be recommended by your doctor in a variety of phases.
Phase I: In the hospital
Cardiac rehabilitation begins while you are still in the hospital – soon after a heart attack or cardiac procedure. The team contributing to your care includes your physician, cardiac rehabilitation nurse educators, staff nurses, dietitians and physical therapists. Your team initially asks you to perform simple activities such as sitting up in bed, range-of-motion exercises and performing self-care. You gradually progress to walking and limited stair climbing.
Phase II: Cardiac maintenance
The Cardiac Maintenance program is available for patients who wish to continue exercising in a medically supervised setting and those who have a history of cardiac disease. The cardiac rehab team provides weekly blood pressure checks, electrocardiograms (EKGs) and glucose monitoring. Members may participate in the Cardiac Maintenance program indefinitely. Participation requires approval from your doctor.
Phase III: Community fitness
Cardiac rehabilitation services offer exercise and wellness programs for those without heart disease who have made a lifelong commitment to health. Typically, you do not need regular heart monitoring or medical or nursing supervision while exercising. However, blood pressure, EKG and glucose monitoring are available as needed. Consultations with a registered dietitian are available and The Smarter Weight and Freedom From Smoking programs will continue to be valuable resources to support your goals. Members may participate in the Community Fitness program indefinitely. Participation may require approval from your doctor.