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Cardiac rehabilitation

Inpatient services
Outpatient services
Peripheral vascular exercise program
Disease management program


Mercy Hospitals' four-phase cardiac rehabilitation program helps you live a healthy, active life after a cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation is a carefully planned program to help people with heart disease or people with a high risk of heart disease enjoy better health through health education, counseling, and exercise training.

The cardiac rehab team includes:

• Your physicians and clinic nurses
• Cardiac rehab occupational or physical therapists 
• Exercise physiologists 
• Cardiac rehab nurses  
• Counsulting pharmacists 
• Chaplains 
• Social workers 
• Clinical dieticians 

There are three convenient cardiac rehabilitation locations:

• Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, 763-236-8024
• Unity Hospital, Fridley, 763-236-3535
• Elk Ridge Health, Elk River, 763-236-0400

With a referral from your doctor, you may enter the program at any phase. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information about Mercy Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program at the numbers above or call Medformation at 612-262-3333.

Inpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Phase 1 monitored inpatient
If you are hospitalized for a cardiac event, the cardiac rehabilitation team will work closely with your doctor to teach you simple exercises that help increase your physical skills. During your inpatient session your heart is monitored and a tailored program is developed that you can safely use when you are home. Our team of professionals will also teach you and your family how to manage your condition. Cardiac rehabilitation is a critical component in rapid recovery and return to an active lifestyle.

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation Mercy cardiac rehabilitation services offer convenient exercise facilities: The Mercy cardiac rehab program is held in the health improvement/fitness center of the Heart & Vascular Center. The Unity cardiac rehab program is located in the Unity Professional Building, suite 150 - directly across the hall from Metropolitan Cardiology Consultants. The Allina Health Improvement Center is located at Hwy 10 and Waco St., Elk River. Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services are comprised of three rehabilitation phases and a variety of classes about healthy lifestyle topics.

Meet Dennis, an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehab. In his free time Dennis enjoys listening to music, roller blading and mountain biking. He is also finishing a nursing degree. In his years at Mercy, Dennis has discovered that a team of motivated therapists can really make a difference in a patient's life.

Phase 2 monitored outpatient

Phase 2 cardiac rehab is usually covered by insurance, but you need to contact your provider to ensure coverage. The focus of this phase is to work on physical skills to return to your normal activities and provide you with extensive education about your heart condition, your risk factors and how to incorporate changes for better health. Continuous heart monitoring and frequent vital sign assessment by the rehab staff ensures a safe exercise program of six to eight weeks, usually three time per week. In addition, we routinely update your physician on your progress.

Phase 3 health improvement exercise programs intermittently monitored

Once you've completed phase 2, this four to six week program will help you move toward a safe exercise program you can use on your own. This program continues to help you address your risk factors and incorporate the needed changes. You will be closely monitored during exercise by a cardiac rehabilitation therapist and we will routinely update your physician on your progress.

Phase 3 is generally not covered by insurance and is paid for by the member/patient.

Phase 4 supervised exercise/maintenance

This final phase is a cardiac maintenance exercise program or a community exercise program. Our professional staff check your vital signs as needed and help you set goals for a healthier lifestyle.  Each staff member is ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) trained and can assist you with any emergent problem.

Peripheral vascular exercise program

This Peripheral Vascular Rehabilitation Program is for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD). It is a four to six week exercise program where you work closely with a cardiac rehab therapist in overcoming calf pain or symptoms of problems during walking. We also work closely with your physician.

Disease management program

Each year millions of people suffer from the debilitating effects of heart failure and chronic pulmonary disease. However, recent studies support the importance of continued exercise and frequent physical assessment for these individuals. This can translate into easier and healthier living. Grocery shopping, house cleaning, or lawn care can be possible again for those individuals who choose to be a disciplined participant in a disease management program.

The disease management program at Mercy includes heart failure management. The program offers the opportunity to:

• Work with a team of registered nurses who communicate closely with your primary physician to develop a plan of care.
• Participate in exercise sessions that begin with a physical assessment looking for signs or symptoms of heart failure or any worsening of respiratory symptoms.

Each session lasts one hour and consists of the following:

• Cardiovascular strength training (if appropriate) and stretching
• Individual instruction on diuretic usage to maintain optimal fluid status
• Instruction on hand-held inhaler and nebulizer treatments
• Education on the management of healthy living with your condition
• Education on breathing techniques to help tolerate exercise
• Recognition of signs or symptoms of lung infection
• Individual exercise prescriptions based on ability
• Assistive devices to support mobility if needed

Advantages of the program:

• Improves endurance in daily activities
• Helps in maintaining independence
• Reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations
• Individual education from dietician and pharmacist
• Group interaction promotes friendships and social support

How to get started? Talk with your primary physician to request a referral to the disease management program. The cost is covered by some insurance companies. Please call yours to check for coverage. There is also a self-pay option.

For more information

To speak to someone in the cardiac, vascular or respiratory programs at Mercy Hospital, please call 1-866-4HEART2

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Mercy Hospital
4050 Coon Rapids Blvd.
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-236-6000
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First published: 09/14/2004
Last updated: 10/27/2006

Reviewed by: Teri Wisdorf