Cardiac Rehabilitation

Following a cardiac event, San Antonio Community Hospital (SACH) is committed to helping patients return to a healthy lifestyle by providing a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, which includes exercise, education, and emotional support.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at SACH is designed to meet the needs of the individual patient, depending upon the specific heart problem or disease. Active involvement of the patient and family is vital to the success of the program.

The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to help the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life - physically, emotionally, and socially. These goals are often met by:

• Decreasing cardiac symptoms and complications
• Encouraging independence through self-management
• Reducing hospitalizations
• Stabilizing or reversing arteriosclerosis (plaque buildup in the blood vessels)
• Improving social, emotional, and vocational status

In order to help reach these goals, our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program includes the following:

• Medication management to help reduce cardiac symptoms, complications, and hospitalizations
• Exercise programs to help build fitness and improve endurance
• Methods to improve independence and activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Patient and family education and counseling
• Smoking cessation
• Nutritional counseling
• Stress management and emotional support

To assist our patients and families in achieving these lifestyle modifications and/or changes we provide Cardiac Rehabilitation in three distinct phases:

Phase I Cardiac Rehab

Phase I Cardiac Rehab begins while you are in the hospital and is provided to all patients who have had a cardiac event. A specially trained cardiac rehabilitation registered nurse meets with you and your family, if they are available, and provides education about your specific heart problem. They help you and your family begin the process to eliminate or modify cardiac risk factors.

Phase II Cardiac Rehab

Phase II Cardiac Rehab is an exercise program for which your doctor must prescribe enrollment. Phase II may begin soon after you are released from the hospital. The three major focuses of Phase II are: closely-monitored prescribed exercise, continued education, and group support supervised by the cardiac rehab nursing team. Individuals receive a personalized exercise program and education plan. Family members are encouraged to be involved by attending educational classes.

Phase III Cardiac Rehab

Phase III Cardiac Rehab is an additional three-month maintenance program in which the patient continues to receive supervision during exercise without a heart monitor, along with education and emotional support.

For more information on SACH's cardiac rehabilitation services, call 909.920.6225.