Phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation begins in the hospital following a heart attack or other acute illness. The goal is to provide education, support, and assistance with walking and/or range of motion. At this stage, you will learn what happened to your heart, what the healing process involves, and what you can expect both during and after recovery. Mercy staff will provide you with home exercise recommendations prior to discharge from the hospital. You will also receive helpful information about stress management, a healthy diet and smoking cessation.

The Phase II staff provides continuous heart monitoring, baseline patient assessment, nutritional counseling, risk factor modification, physical activity counseling, psychosocial support, and individualized exercise therapy. Most patients attend three sessions per week over a 12-week period of time.

Phase III cardiac rehabilitation involves continued participation (typically three times per week) in a medically supervised exercise program and education for those who have progressed beyond the acute phase of recovery. The program is designed for patients who no longer require continuous ECG monitoring while exercising. The exercise and educational opportunities in the maintenance program reinforce lifestyle changes for necessary for successful recovery.

Though insurance coverage may vary with individual policies, most insurance plans will cover the cost of cardiac rehabilitation in all or part. The rehabilitation staff will assist with the verification of coverage. Physician referral is required.