A board-certified cardiologist serves as medical director and supervises our program, which is backed by Providence Heart Institute, the largest provider of cardiovascular services in Oregon and one of the nation's premier cardiovascular centers.

Cardiac rehabilitation helps patients to:

• Exercise safely
• Build strength and cardiovascular fitness
• Improve physical, mental and social well-being
• Learn about heart health and how to reduce their risk of further cardiac problems
• Gain confidence

Patients usually begin our Phase II program one to two weeks after they're discharged from the hospital. The program lasts eight to 12 weeks. During this time, our goal is to help these patients make important lifestyle changes while reducing their risk of future heart complications.

Phase II begins with a health assessment. Patients learn how to improve their heart's performance by participating in a professionally supervised, individually paced exercise program. Exercise therapy includes the use of treadmills, stationary bikes, hand weights and other equipment in our rehab center gym. Patients wear a wireless cardiac monitor so that we can see how the heart is responding to increased activity.

Education is an important part of Phase II. Patients attend group classes and personal consultations to learn how they can identify and manage their cardiac risk factors and live a heart healthy lifestyle. Topics include cardiac anatomy and physiology, exercise guidance, nutrition, medications, blood pressure control, weight management, smoking cessation, stress management and more.

Phase III - Getting stronger

Our Phase III program is designed for patients who have completed Phase II or who have risk factors for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and dysmetabolic syndrome. During this phase, patients are guided in a supervised exercise program. All exercises are tailored to each person's needs.

Heart Wellness exercise classes last for one hour and occur twice a week in our cardiac rehab gym.

In addition, patients participate in education classes on heart disease, nutrition, stress management and lifestyle changes. As patients learn how to reduce cardiac risk factors, they learn to enhance the quality of their lives.

Download the Heart to Heart Patient Education Guide for information on what to expect when you return home following open heart surgery and/or a heart attack.

Most health insurers now provide coverage for cardiac rehabilitation, but some do not. Patients should check their insurance coverage before beginning cardiac rehab. Those who have limited finances or lack insurance may apply for Providence financial assistance before their first appointment.