A complete cardiac evaluation of referred patients is essential prior to undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. The categories of patients entering the program include those with recent hospitalizations for heart attacks or cardiac surgery. However, the majority of the patients selected are those with ischemic heart disease. The Virginia Heart Institute's program provides ECG monitoring with close supervision by a cardiovascular nurse or technician.

Exercise Sessions
The cardiac rehabilitation program consists of thirty minute sessions, three times a week for a period of six weeks. Small group exercise allows for close patient supervision. Pulleys, weights, and a rowing machine are used for upper ext remity exercises, while the stationery bicycle is used for lower body conditioning. Warm up and / cool down periods are necessary.

Preparation For Exercise Sessions:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, (preferably slacks). A locker room with shower facilities is available. Showers immediately post exercise are to be avoided.
• A nurse will instruct you in skin preparation and application of electrodes.

Individualized home exercise is an integral part of the rehabilitation prngram. An exercise diary is provitIed to record daily home activity.

Weekly staff conferences are held to discuss patient progress, medical management, etc. After the 6 week program, a post rebabilitation stress test is performed. Each rehabilitation patient returns for follow-up rehabilitation sessions at specific intervals.

Education
Educational programs are held on Saturday mornings for patients and family members. Topics are as follows:

• Diet
• Drugs
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• Anatomy of the heart and basic ECG
• Introduction to relaxation techniques

Time: 9:15 in the Virginia Heart lnstitute conference room.

Times Available

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Thursday at 7:30 a.m., Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon scheduling is available 2:30 p.m.