Cardiac rehabilitation

What’s cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise and education program to improve heart health. Participating in cardiac rehab may help you:

• Decrease heart disease risk factors.
• Increase endurance, strength and level of activity.
• Lessen your chance of future heart problems and hospitalizations.
• Reduce your need for medicines.

Certified cardiac rehabilitation program

Trust a program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). You can feel confident that our staff, treatments and facilities meet or exceed national quality and safety standards.

Am I eligible for cardiac rehab?

Your doctor may refer you to cardiac rehab at ProHealth if you’re affected by:

• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Heart procedure or surgery

Personalized rehabilitation plan

You’ll get an individual treatment plan to fit your needs, goals, abilities and interests. Your plan may include:

• Exercise within safe limits to improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Education and counseling to improve your heart health by:
  • Controlling high blood pressure.
  • Eating healthy foods.
  • Increasing physical activity.
  • Lowering cholesterol.
  • Managing diabetes.
  • Monitoring or losing weight.
  • Stopping tobacco use.

Your cardiologist will receive updates about your progress during the program. Your primary care physician gets a report at the end of your rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation gym

Enjoy dedicated facilities on the campus of ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital. The cardiovascular and pulmonary gym includes:

• Two-lane walking track
• Space for yoga and strength training
• More than 35 pieces of exercise and therapy equipment
• Stations to check your blood pressure
• Locker rooms with showers

What to expect

Enjoy personalized care, support and education throughout cardiac rehabilitation at ProHealth.

Phase I: Assessment and exercise guidelines

Begin your program while staying in the heart care unit of Waukesha Memorial. Your care team reviews your risk factors and medication with you. Your care plan includes an exercise plan. While you exercise, our staff will measure your pulse, heart rate and blood pressure.

Phase II: Treatment program and monitoring

After returning home from the hospital, visit the heart and vascular center 3 times a week for 4 to 12 weeks. You’ll exercise while wearing a heart monitor. Cardiac rehab nurses, doctors, therapists and exercise specialists watch how your heart responds to physical activity. You’ll also attend group classes to learn how to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk factors.

Phase III: Maintenance

Exercise without a heart monitor while your care team continues to track your blood pressure, weight and medications.

Ongoing support after rehabilitation

Maintain your rehabilitation success with the EXCEL (EXercise, Counseling and Education for Lifetime) program. You’ll benefit from education and ongoing support from ProHealth staff.

ProHealth West Wood Health & Fitness Center

Continue your physical activity at the ProHealth West Wood Health &  Fitness Center. You’ll find more than 100 cardiovascular machines, an indoor track, and an aquatics center. West Wood also offers space for walking or running.