Cardiac Rehabilitation

» Request a referral to a John C. Lincoln cardiac specialist.

Cardiac rehabilitation, also called cardiac rehab, is an important part of the process for patients recovering from a heart problem. Cardiac rehab has three phases.

Phase 1

Phase 1 of cardiac rehab begins while the patient is still in the hospital, once he or she is able to stand. At that point in recovery, a nurse or patient care technician accompanies the patient on short walks.

Because muscles can atrophy quickly if they're not used, it's important to get moving as soon as possible. Walking also helps prevent lung problems and pneumonia and builds strength.

Phases 2 and 3

Even though a patient may have suffered a heart attack or other heart problem, simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of recurrence.

To develop these new, healthy habits, it's important that each cardiac patient continue a rehabilitation program. Phase 2 and Phase 3 of cardiac rehab take place on an outpatient basis at John C. Lincoln’s Health Management Services department, on the North Mountain campus.

During these phases, patients continue to regain strength and progress in their exercise programs. They also learn important information about nutrition and how to eat to keep their hearts healthy.