Cardiac Rehab Programs
Our Cardiac Rehab Programs are nationally certified with staff trained & experienced in providing education on an array of cardiac-related topics. Individualized, repetitive tailored rehabilitative programs are the cornerstone of each patient's success. After a thorough initial evaluation, a customized multi-disciplinary treatment "team" is assigned. Working with the patient, this team then develops an individualized plan of care which recognizes all of the patient's needs & goals for the rehab process. Then, using exercise equipment & the latest techniques, the team works to enable each patient to achieve his or her maximum potential for
recovery after heart surgery or a cardiac event.
Are Cardiac Rehab Programs Right for Me?
- Cardiac Rehab programs decrease the chance of another heart attack by 28 percent
- Overall cardiac death rate for two years is improved by 45 percent
- Chances of being re-admitted to a hospital will decrease by 52 percent within the first year after a cardiac event
- Improved quality of life
- Improved cholesterol and blood pressure control.
- Increased energy and stamina
If you have recently had coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery or repair, heart transplant, PTCA, or heart attack then this program is for you to get the best recovery after heart surgery. Some insurance policies will also cover cardiac rehab for congestive heart failure. A physician referral is required to begin the program. Staff can assist in the referral process.
About Our Cardiac Rehab Programs
The program is an exercise and education program designed to teach the cardiac patient how to exercise safely within a target heart range. This is done on a heart monitor that shows an electrical tracing of the heart on a computer. This image is monitored by staff continuously during exercise sessions. Blood pressure is also monitored to ensure a safe exercise session. The exercise days are routinely on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. The program is designed to be 2-3 months long depending on the patient diagnosis. Physicians get monthly reports and end of program reports. Physicians are contacted for any problems or significant findings. Individual dietary counseling is done and also classes on a heart healthy diet are offered. Other classes include information on blood pressure, cholesterol, medications and resistance training to improve muscle tone and increase metabolism. The staff consists of registered nurses and exercise specialists that have advanced training in cardiovascular fitness. All of the programs in Cardiac Rehab are nationally certified.
Cardiac Rehab: Phase I
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock's Cardiac Rehab Programs are an active process involving the patient in therapy and education. Rehabilitation is designed to teach, support, and encourage patients during recovery after heart surgery or from cardiac difficulties. Education about a variety of cardiac related issues is a major component of rehabilitation during Phase I. Educational instruction will be offered in the following areas:
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack/Angina
Congestive Heart Failure
Post-Bypass Discharge Information
Home Exercise Prescription
Cholesterol Management
Stress Coping Strategies
High Blood Pressure
Smoking Cessation
Risk Factor Control/Management
Cardiac Rehab: Phase II
Phase II of the Cardiac Rehab Program is designed as an outpatient program for people who need a monitored, physician-supervised exercise program. A majority of the cost for Phase II cardiac rehab programs is reimbursed by Medicare and a supplemental policy generally completes the reimbursement. Participating three times a week- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday- patients benefit from the monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and heart supervised exercise setting based on rhythm during exercise. The staff is trained to help patients begin and maintain a medically safe and effective exercise regimen and equipped to deal with any emergencies which may arise. Education and
cardiac health tips are also a major part of the outpatient program. The following classes are offered:
• Managing risk factors for heart disease
• Low-fat/Low-cholesterol diets
• Benefits of exercise
• Understanding cholesterol levels
• Stress reduction
• Anatomy and procedures
• Cardiac medications
• Heart attack signals and actions
Computerized diet analysis and instructions are also offered and
support groups for heart disease provide help when coping with heart problems.
Helpful Links:
American Heart Association
My Pyramid
Online Health Encyclopedia
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To sign up for our Cardiac Rehab programs or for more information, call the Baptist Health Health Management Center in Little Rock at (501) 202-1765 and North Little Rock at (501) 202-3704. Appointments are scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Arkadelphia - 870-245-1290
Heber Springs - 501-887-3276 / 501-825-7299
Little Rock - 501-202-1765
North Little Rock - 501-202-3704
Stuttgart - 870-674-6601
Thank You!
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock's Cardiac Rehab Programs are an active process involving the patient in therapy and education. Rehabilitation is designed to teach, support, and encourage patients during recovery after heart surgery.
Education about a variety of cardiac related issues is a major component of rehabilitation during Phase I. Educational instruction will be offered in the following areas: