Cardiac Supportive Services

Cardiac Rehab Programs

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at the WMHS assists patients with returning to an active, healthy life style after a heart attack, open-heart surgery or other cardiac event. The program progresses in phases as the patient recovers and includes educational information to help the patient and his family adjust to the many changes caused by heart disease.

The first phase of cardiac rehab often begins while the patient is still in the hospital. The second phase is done on an outpatient basis at the Cardiac Rehab Center on the Sacred Heart Campus. Three times a week, patients participate in an individually designed exercise program where their heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored. They also learn self-monitoring techniques that can be used in home exercise programs. They also receive education to help them reach their personal goals for recovery and lifestyle changes.

Heart Smart Program

This four-week program helps patients make a smoother recovery after open-heart surgery. The first session occurs during their hospital stay and helps patients prepare for going home. Subsequent sessions focus on topics on developing a heart healthy lifestyle.

Mended Hearts

Mended Hearts is a support group for people who have had cardiac surgery. The local chapter of Mended Hearts meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium on the Sacred Heart Campus. The meetings consist of an educational program and time for sharing experiences with each other. All heart surgery patients and their families are welcome to participate. For more information, please call the WMHS Wellness Center at 301-759-9355.