Our program is designed for patients who have recently undergone acute medical and/or surgical treatment of a cardiac disease and now require inpatient medical rehabilitation to be restored to the level of physical endurance and self sufficiency that they enjoyed prior to their illness. NRH’s program focuses on inpatient cardiac rehabilitation; for outpatient treatment, patients are referred back to their primary caregiver.

Services Offered

Throughout their stay, patients benefit from the expertise of a diversified team of medical and rehabilitation professionals. The team members include a physiatrist, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and nutritionist. Together these professionals, in full consultation with patient and family, establish individual goals for each of their patients, reevaluate previous goals as needed, monitor patient progress, and coordinate efforts to prepare the patient (and family) for discharge.

In addition to the rehabilitation services traditionally provided at NRH -- which include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, rehabilitation nursing, psychology and neuropsychology, orthotics and prosthetics, assistive technology/rehabilitation engineering, vocational rehabilitation, and work conditioning -- each patient is also offered EKG-monitored exercise therapy under the supervision of doctors and nurses who gather together for this express purpose.

During the specialized therapy, the patient’s heart function and rhythm are monitored while s/he advances through progressively higher activity levels. Patients enter the Cardiac Rehabiliation Program capable of working only at a low level of energy expenditure; by the time of discharge, it is anticipated that their stamina and endurance will be sufficient to support household tasks such as dressing, bathroom activities, stair climbing, light housework, and cooking.

Education for Patient and Family

During the rehabilitation program, patients and family members learn to modify behavioral and physical risk factors to prevent the progression of heart disease and minimize its consequences. They also learn to manage the psychological impact of cardiac-related chronic disease on their health. Educational information is individualized to meet the specific needs and interests of patients and family members. Generally included in the program are discussions on the following topics:

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiac System
• High Blood Pressure (Risk and Prevention)
• Energy Conservation
• Applying Exercise to Cardiac Recovery
• Weight Management
• Smoking Cessation
• Management of Sodium/Fat in the diet
• Dietary Intake
• How to Read a Food Label
• Coping Strategies to Manage Stress
• Cardiac Medications