Brooks Memorial Hospital

Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team will help you to improve your heart's health through a program of supervised exercise and health education.

 

Participants in this program are those eligible patients who wish to improve their cardiovascular function and physical fitness. Our patients are those who have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), have had coronary artery bypass surgery or other cardiac surgery, coronary artery angioplasty, or are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease.

 

Inpatient Care

Cardiac Rehabilitation begins as early as possible in the recuperative process, usually 2-4 days after a heart attack, or as soon as the patient's condition permits. The timing is designed to help prevent the deconditioning effects of prolonged bed rest and to alleviate anxiety and depression.

 

An individual exercise and activity schedule is designed for each patient with progress determined by your cardiovascular response. The first step of Cardiac Rehabilitation begins at the bedside. This early phase involves mild calisthenics, range of motion exercises and walking. An educational program is ongoing throughout this period, and includes discussion on developing an understanding of the individual's heart problem and the treatment prescribed. Counseling on risk factor reduction, diet and medications also takes place.

 

Outpatient Care

This phase of Cardiac Rehabilitation involves a progressive, aerobic, continuously monitored exercise program designed to return you to your optimal level of health.

 

Each exercise session includes:

• warm-up exercises
• workout on equipment such as treadmills
• stationary bikes
• rowing machine
• wall pulleys
• armergometer and stairs
• cool-down exercises

During the exercise sessions, electrocardiogram monitoring, and blood pressure and heart rate measurements are used to determine your cardiovascular response. Monthly evaluations and program summary are sent to your personal physician. Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation consists of three one-hour sessions each week for a period of 12 weeks. Patients will be encouraged to follow detailed, home exercise program. In addition, health education programs are offered during the rehabilitation period. Topics include modifying the risk factors of coronary heart disease, stress management, medications, and support for the spouse of the cardiac patient.

 

Requirements

To enter the Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program you need a physician's referral, an Exercise Stress Test, and recent blood work. A Medical and Nursing history and physical examination will be performed upon entry into the program.

 

Class

The air-conditioned exercise facilities are located on the ground floor of Brooks Memorial Hospital, 529 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, New York. Classes are offered MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY mornings and afternoons. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing so that you will be able to bend and stretch. The top will need to be opened at the neckline so that the chest is accessible for electrode placement and the heart rate monitoring.

 

Phase III

Phase III is a follow-up exercise program for Cardiac Rehabilitation "graduates" who wish to continue in a structured exercise program.

 

Financial Facts

The cost of Cardiac Rehabilitation is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare, at approximately 80% reimbursement. Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Medicare are billed by the hospital. Commercial insurance forms should be completed and brought to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Office during the orientation interview. Insurance plans do not always provide full cover-age. Your bill is a contract between you and the hospital. However, the hospital will cooperate to the fullest to help you get your claim processed. As a courtesy to you, our patient, the hospital will bill your insurance company. If payment is not received, it will become your responsibility. The hospital is not responsible for billing Major Medical carriers.

 

The Health Care Professionals at Brooks Memorial Hospital are working to care for you and the health of your heart.

 

LOCATION

Ground Floor (Near Lobby)

PHONE

(716) 363-3039

 

Cardiac Rehab Nursing Coordinator

Kim Bishop, RN

 

HOURS

Monday - Friday:
7:30 am - 4:00 pm

 

The Mended Hearts Club

Mended Hearts - If you or someone you love has been faced with some type of heart disease, there is a support group available. Mended Hearts is for patients, partners, and health care professionals who help people deal with the emotional recovery from heart disease.
Contact:
Kim Bishop (716) 363-3039