Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Patients who attend cardiac rehab after a qualifying cardiac event – such as a heart attack or major heart surgery – are more likely to be alive in five years.
• We are a certified program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Certified AACVPR programs are recognized leaders in the field of cardiovascular rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. We work closely with the physicians at the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute to optimize cardiovascular care.
• Our team includes a registered dietitian who provides personalized nutrition guidance to support heart health. Patients also benefit from our demonstration kitchen, where they can learn practical, heart-healthy cooking skills to support long-term lifestyle changes.
• We offer a hybrid cardiac rehabilitation model. This allows patients to take part in sessions both in-person and virtually. This approach improves access and convenience while maintaining consistent clinical oversight and support, helping patients stay engaged in their recovery.
• Our Maxwell Street facility is designed to make your visits easier, with convenient parking nearby.

Cardiac rehabilitation helps people recover after a heart attack, heart surgery or other heart-related event. The program includes health checkups, supervised exercise, education and support to help improve heart health, manage risk factors and make sure medicines are working as intended.

Studies have shown that cardiac rehab increases a patient’s chance of survival by 20 percent to 25 percent and lowers their risk of a subsequent cardiac event.

During each session, our staff is on hand to ensure your safety as well as progress. Our team includes our cardiovascular program director, an exercise physiologist, a cardiac nurse and a rehab assistant. Each patient also has access to dietary consultations.

There are three stages of cardiac rehabilitation:

• Phase I is completed while the patient is still in the hospital.
• Phase II generally begins one to three weeks after the patient leaves the hospital. The sessions can last for 12 to 18 weeks, with the patient attending two or three sessions per week. A physician monitors these sessions, which are tailored to fit the individual's needs.
• Phase III is a maintenance program that does not involve physician supervision. This typically continues after completion of Phase II.

Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehab if you have had any of these heart conditions, procedures or treatments:

• A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as angioplasty
• Bypass surgery
• Cardio-oncology
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, NYHA class II-IV
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve surgery
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Peripheral artery disease
• Stable angina

Our OH! (Optimal Health) program gives you the tools you need to stay healthy and fit in a safe, non-threatening environment.

Participants attend the program three days a week and work with our professional staff, which includes a cardiologist, a registered nurse, an exercise physiologist, a therapy technician and a dietitian.

The Optimal Health program includes:

• A detailed health assessment prior to starting the program
• Professionally prescribed and supervised exercise
• Lifestyle education
• A dietary consultation
• Weight management
• Accountability resources

To participate, you must have a physician order. Our staff can help to set this up with your doctor.

• Jacob Stone, MSEP, CSCS, CCRP, Program Supervisor
• Djadmann Gustave, MS, EP-C
• Nancy Kessler, RN
• Katelyn King, MSEP, CCRP
• Craig Staub, BS, EP-C
• Janna Villanueva, CST
• Cate Freret, MSEP, CEP
• Hannah Plesac, RD, LD

We offer clinical internships. We welcome students pursuing careers in the health professions. Opportunities are available for students who are:

• Enrolled in a recognized university program
• Completing coursework relevant to their field of study
• Seeking hands-on experience in cardiac rehab and preventive cardiology