Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation

Specific medical treatment and educational programs are designed to meet the particular physical and emotional needs of each individual. It’s the one-on-one relationship between staff and patient that makes our customers feel comfortable. Mercy’s cardiac care staff is comprised of cardiologists, internists, pulmonologists, specially trained nurses and technologists, and rehabilitation specialists, all of whom participate by offering their care and medical expertise.

For information regarding cardiac care and rehabilitation, call (231) 876-7825.

What is Phase II Cardiac Rehab? This is an outpatient program that combines EKG-monitored and supervised exercise with intensive education to help cardiac patients return to maximum physical, mental, social and economic well being. In addition to the well-documented benefits of regular exercise, participants receive educational information through individual consultations, group lectures, and handouts. The topics covered include:

• Guidelines for exercise and home activities
• Cardiac anatomy and physiology
• Smoking cessation
• Risk factor modification
• Question and answer session with a Cardiac Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nutrition and weight control
• Supermarket tour guided by a dietician
• Cardiac medication instruction
• Stress management
• CPR training for family members
• Resuming sexual activity after heart disease
• Spiritual care and relaxation techniques

What is Phase III Cardiac Rehab? Phase III is supervised aerobic exercise designed to increase and maintain physical fitness for the cardiac patient, but is also available to those individuals who are simply interested in developing a regular pattern of exercise and would like to receive supervision and guidance in doing so. An Exercise Specialist and a Registered Nurse conduct both programs.

Who can benefit from the programs? Almost anyone who has had a heart problem such as heart attack, angina, bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart transplant should consider participating. Individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors – high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease — should also consider participating as a means of prevention. The program is tailored to meet each patient’s need. Participants must have the consent of their physician and a recent stress test is advisable.

What is the duration of the program? The program runs for eight weeks and meets three times weekly for two hours — one hour is devoted to exercise and the other to education. Each participant is progressed according to his or her individual ability.

Is the cost of the program covered by heath insurance? Phase II is covered by most health insurance. Medicare usually covers 80% of the program’s cost. Other heath insurers cover 60 to 80% depending on the plan. It is advisable that each participant inquires of his or her insurance company to assure coverage.

How do I register? To participate in the program or to learn more about cardiac rehabilitation, please contact Lisa Myers at (231) 876-7825. If you have been hospitalized for cardiac problems please call as soon as possible after discharge. Participants usually enter the program three to six weeks after discharge.

If you have any unresolved concerns about patient care and safety at Mercy Hospital Cadillac, please contact our Patient Relations Office at (231) 876-7473.

We welcome your comments and suggestions about this Web site.