What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation, also called cardiac rehab, is a program designed to help your heart if you have had a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery. At Baystate Health, we will create a rehab plan for your needs, based on your medical history, abilities, and goals.
Certified Cardiovascular Rehab That's Close to Home
For more than 40 years, our program has helped people in western Massachusetts recover from heart and vascular problems and return to their best health.
The Baystate Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Programs that receive AACVPR certification undergo a rigorous review process to ensure the program meets the highest standards for cardiovascular rehabilitation care.
Customized Cardiac Care Just for You
If you have had any of the conditions listed below, your care began in the hospital and will now continue in an outpatient setting:
- Heart attack
- Stable angina
- Open heart surgery, such as coronary bypass surgery or valve surgery
- Coronary angioplasty or stent placement
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart transplant
What is Involved in Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Our experienced team will work with you to create an individualized recovery program. We provide a safe place to begin or restart an activity program that includes:
- Education and instruction to improve your heart & vascular risk factors
- A personalized exercise prescription two or three times per week
- Regular blood pressure and EKG monitoring
- Instruction to improve diabetes and blood glucose management with exercise
- Psychological/stress management and assessment and guidance
- Help to stop smoking and remaining smoke free
- Heart-healthy nutrition instruction
- Communication with your doctors about your progress through the program
Make a Cardiac Rehab Appointment: 413-794-CARE
What are the 3 Phases of Cardiac Rehab?
While your cardiac rehab program is customized for your needs, there are typically three phases of rehab:
1. Phase 1 of Cardiac Rehab
Phase 1 of cardiac rehab takes place in the hospital immediately after your heart event or surgery. Your heart surgeon, specialists, and nurses make sure that you can get around on your own, you understand your medications, and you are prepared for the next steps in your treatment.
2. Phase 2 of Cardiac Rehab
Phase 2 is typically done as an outpatient service. This means you can visit one of Baystate’s cardiac rehab locations. During this phase, you’ll focus on recovery and learn how to take care of yourself with proper nutrition, a safe exercise program, and stress reduction. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes (no open-toed shoes or sandals), and bring your list of current medications.
Most insurance providers cover phase 2 cardiac rehab for patients who have had: a heart attack, stable angina, bypass surgery, valve surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, CHF, or a heart transplant.
3. Phase 3 of Cardiac Rehab
Phase 3 is also done in an outpatient setting. It includes a long-term plan for wellness and prevention. At Baystate, this program is available to people who are at higher risk for developing heart disease, have a heart problem that is not eligible for phase 2, or have some other condition that would benefit from exercising in a medically supervised setting.
Some of our patients choose to become members of our exercise facilities and continue exercising in our phase 3 rehab locations. Many insurance providers offer reimbursement for gym memberships, and Baystate’s phase 3 rehab program would be included in this benefit. Contact your insurance provider for details.
Is Cardiac Rehab Considered Physical Therapy?
Cardiac rehab is a comprehensive therapy program designed to help heal your heart through a combination of exercise training, diet and nutrition counseling. The combination of physical activity and focus on reducing heard disease risk factors is designed to help you regain strength after a heart attack, surgery, or other cardiac condition.
What are the Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehab promotes heart health through education, exercise, and changes to your lifestyle. We work closely with you to lower your risk for future heart or vascular problems.
Studies show that cardiac rehab can:
- Improve your overall strength and stamina
- Improve your ability to return to work, hobbies, and other activities
- Lower the number of returns to the hospitals
- Improve your quality of life
- Restore your confidence and well-being
- Help patients live longer
About Our Cardiac Rehab Program Locations
Baystate Health provides cardiac rehab in three locations: Springfield, Greenfield, and Westfield.
Cardiac Rehab in Springfield
Located off I-91 in the Tolosky Center at 3300 Main Street, our spacious facility in Springfield provides one of the most comprehensive cardiac rehab programs in New England. Our Springfield location offers a specialized exercise program for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) covered by most Medicare plans. Please call 413-794-7024 to learn more.
Cardiac Rehab in Greenfield
Conveniently located at Baystate Franklin Medical Center at 164 High Street, this program continues to grow as Baystate Health expands to meet the needs of our patients throughout the Pioneer Valley. Please call 413-773-0211 to learn more.
Cardiac Rehab in Westfield
Conveniently located at Baystate Noble Hospital at 115 West Silver Street, this program continues to grow as Baystate Health expands to meet the needs of our patients throughout the Pioneer Valley. Please call 413-571-0000 to learn more.
Make an appointment: 413-794-CARE