Cardiac Rehabilitation
Northwest Healthcare’s cardiac rehabilitation program is one of only two AACVPR certified facilities in Tucson. Cardiac rehabilitation is typically covered by most insurance providers.
Our program is divided into three phases, each designed to return patients recovering from a cardiac event to their optimal physical and emotional well-being. You must have a referral from your doctor to be admitted to the program and an exercise stress test is required to determine your current exercise capacity.
Phase One
The first phase of cardiac rehabilitation begins in the hospital as you recover from a heart attack, percutaneous coronary intervention, bypass surgery or other heart condition. Physical activity will first begin as you walk the hospital halls with assistance.
Phase Two
Phase two may begin as early as two weeks after discharge from the hospital, depending on your diagnosis. This phase is usually covered by insurance and continues for 12 weeks. It consists of:
- Body mass index (BMI) monitoring
- Diabetic glucose monitoring (if needed)
- Educational instruction on various heart-related and "healthy living" subjects
- EKG-monitored exercise
- Exercise using a treadmill, stationary bicycle, arm cycling, weights and stepping
- Supervised exercise sessions three times a week
Phase Three
Supervised exercise continues in this phase with the goal of maintaining a consistent healthy lifestyle. This is a self-pay program.
Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Participating in the cardiac rehabilitation program at Northwest Healthcare may provide the following benefits:
- Blood pressure control
- Decreased risk factors for coronary heart disease
- Improved ability to cope with stress and anxiety
- Improved body flexibility
- Improved blood cholesterol levels
- Improved stamina
- Safe exercise habits
- Support group participation
- Weight management
For more information, please call:
Northwest Medical Center - (520) 202-2740