Phase I of your rehabilitation takes place in the hospital, as you gradually increase your activity, prepare for discharge and learn what you need to know to care for yourself at home. You will learn about the use of medication, warning signs and symptoms and what to do about them, emergency planning, and physical activity do's and don'ts.

Phase II outpatient cardiac rehabilitation begins about three to four weeks after you leave the hospital and lasts for six to twelve weeks. A cardiologist and exercise physiologist will develop an exercise prescription specifically for you. Three times a week you attend exercise sessions, where you are closely supervised and continuously monitored via EKG. Copies of all diagnostic tests and progress reports are routinely sent to your physician, who is notified promptly of any problems that may arise.

Phase II also includes education which builds on the information you received in the hospital. Group and individual sessions cover topics including heart health eating, smoking cessation, weight control, stress management, relaxation techniques and guidelines for physical activity at home and at work. Your spouse and other family members are encouraged to participate.

Phase III cardiac rehabilitation is a maintenance exercise program. Some low risk patients are referred directly to Phase III, while most join after successfully completing Phase II. Phase III allows you to continue exercising under the supervision of trained cardiac staff, with periodic monitoring.

For Those at Risk

If you are at risk for heart disease, you can benefit from the Early Intervention Program. Designed to prevent the more serious consequences of heart disease, the Early Intervention Program can help people who have early warning signs of heart disease, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or high blood cholesterol levels.

After medical screening, the cardiac rehabilitation team will prescribe a program of medically supervised exercise. Group education and individual counseling are also available.