swoosh

With PCH Cardiac Rehab

Research indicates that cardiac rehab reduces participants’ death rate by as much as 30% when compared to non-participants – and that the biggest factor in determining rehab participation is the strength of the recommendation made by the patient’s physician. 

Larry Rogers is glad he took his doctor’s suggestions seriously to participate in Pender Community Hospital’s cardiac rehab program.

“I had some heart issues; I had a vessel that was 95% blocked, so they put a stent in and that’s when my doctor told me about Pender’s cardiac rehab program,” Rogers, age 62, explained. 

Cardiac rehab can help patients experiencing: 

  • angina
  • coronary artery disease
  • heart attack or other cardiac events
  • heart surgery and procedures
  • cardiovascular disease

Cardiac rehabilitation has been proven to lower the risk of death and health complications for patients who have experienced a cardiac procedure or event, and also increases the likelihood of returning to an active lifestyle. Another key factor as to why heart health providers advocate for cardiac rehab: It significantly reduces hospital readmission for cardiac patients.

What A Cardiac Rehab Plan Looks Like at PCH

Cardiac rehab plans at PCH typically range from three to six weeks and offer a full range of rehabilitative services, education and support to alleviate symptoms and help people heal – and also to prevent future problems by strengthening a patient’s body and improve their quality of life. Most participants also report that cardiac rehab improves their mood and mental health. 

To create an effective, customized rehab plan for each patient, PCH’s skilled rehabilitation team collaborates with a variety of specialists and staff, including primary care providers, cardiologists, behavioral health and nutrition specialists and social services professionals. 

The cardiac rehab team examines each patient’s progress throughout the plan, and makes adjustments as necessary in nutrition, sleep and activity levels, as well as continuously monitors how the patient is managing stress and living with their condition. Each plan is designed to improve heart health while also improving strength, conditioning, and general well-being. 

The cardiac rehab therapy team also provides patients with the resources and support they need to succeed, including providing educational information about their condition’s risk factors, lifestyle adjustments, tobacco cessation and stress management techniques. 

Cardiac Rehab Worked for Rogers

Rogers said that he especially appreciated PCH’s flexibility; Rogers, who is a farmer in Lyons, experienced his cardiac event in the spring of 2021 – right as he was getting ready to plant.  

“Pender was very good to work with; I needed to plant, and their flexibility was awesome,” said Rogers, who commended the cardiac rehab team on working around his schedule. 

For example, the PCH rehab team recommended that Rogers watch educational videos while he was exercising, which allowed him to double up on what he wanted to accomplish in rehab while still meeting the timeframe for planting at his farm. 

“Everything was great, the nutrition and the exercise program,” said Rogers. “They work with you on everything; it’s a very good program. Everyone was fantastic to work with, and they really keep your spirits up. And they’re very good at telling you where need to be and how to get there.” 

Rogers says that after rehab, he pays much closer attention to his diet, which has helped him lose weight, and keep it off.

“If you listen to what they say, you’re going to be okay,” said Rogers.To learn more about PCH’s expert cardiac rehab services, talk to your primary care provider or visit our Cardiopulmonary Services page.