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Cardiac Rehab Expansion
In 2007, the Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation department was remodeled and expanded, almost doubling the exercise area from 1,376 square feet to 2,519 square feet. New treadmills were added to the area along with an additional NuStep®, a seated exercise machine that can be utilized by all fitness levels.
In addition to the new exercise equipment, flat-screen TVs were brought in to give cardiac patients access to educational programs. And a new classroom was built to provide an ideal location for patient and staff education.
The physical improvements serve to support the exceptional service already provided by the staff. Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), the AMH cardiac rehabilitation program is a vital part of patient recovery after a heart attack or other cardiac event.
Recovering from a heart attack or heart procedure requires teamwork. It takes a patient who's willing to make the effort. It takes the support of family and friends. It takes medical supervision from the patient's physician. And to achieve the fullest possible recovery, it takes cardiac rehabilitation services. In fact, numerous studies have shown that cardiac rehabilitation can offer substantial benefits.
Texas Health Arlington Memorial offers a full spectrum of cardiac rehabilitation services with the goal of enabling patients to achieve and maintain optimal health and quality of life.
How Cardiac Rehab Works
There are two major components of cardiac rehabilitation. One is monitored exercise activity to help a patient safely build strength and increase stamina. The other is education to help the patient understand his or her heart condition and learn ways to reduce the risk of additional heart problems. The components are incorporated into three phases of cardiac rehab.
Phase I: Inpatient
In most cases, rehabilitation begins in the hospital. A physician assesses the patient's needs and makes the referral. Soon after, the patient is visited by a cardiac nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a registered dietitian. They explain the program, consult with the patient about diet and exercise and answer questions about the rehabilitation process. Phase I also includes mild physical activity.
Phase II: Outpatient
After leaving the hospital, patients enroll in a six- to 12-week program of three sessions per week. The rehab staff develops a customized exercise program based on each patient's condition, ability and needs. Throughout the exercise session, a patient's EKG, blood pressure and overall physical condition are continuously monitored.
During Phase II, each patient attends education classes. The curriculum focuses on how behaviors are linked to cardiac health. Lifestyle modification helps eliminate unhealthy habits and form new heart-healthy habits. Family members are also encouraged to attend the classes.
Class topics include:
- Developing self confidence and an improved sense of well being
- Developing techniques for stress management
- Lifestyle modification to reduce the risk of further heart problems
- Nutrition counseling
- Preparing to return to work
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heart disease
- Starting a home exercise program
- Understanding cardiac medications
Phase III: Maintenance
After the initial programs of monitored exercise and education are complete, the maintenance phase begins. It lets the patient build on his or her accomplishments to further improve endurance, flexibility and strength. Maintenance program activities take place in the Fitness Center. Under the guidance of registered nurses and exercise specialists, patients pursue a program individualized to their condition and goals.
Patients are encouraged to continue as long as they wish. In fact, many look upon the maintenance program as a lifelong opportunity to maximize heart and vascular health.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Staff
Our cardiac rehabilitation services offer the expertise of physicians, cardiac rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians and exercise specialists. Their job is to work with patients and their families to help the patient feel better and lead a healthier life.
Rehabilitation Program Facilities
Rehabilitation services are offered at Texas Health Arlington Memorial, 810 West Randol Mill Road. Please call 817-960-6475 if you have any questions.
Entering the Program
To participate in the cardiac rehabilitation program, a patient must be referred by a cardiologist or physician. For more information, call 817-960-6475.
Mended Hearts
Texas Health Arlington Memorial is home to Chapter 152 of Mended Hearts, a nonprofit volunteer support group affiliated with the American Heart Association. Mended Hearts is dedicated to providing education, encouragement and support to heart patients, their families and others interested in learning more about heart disease. The group meets once a month at the Rex C. McRae Health Services Center. For more information, call 817-960-6303.
CPaRlington
Texas Health Arlington Memorial proudly supports CPaRlington, a city initiative to train residents on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The cardiac rehab staff participates at various CPaRlington events throughout the community and has integrated the efforts into the hospital's cardiac rehab program.
Thanks to strong support from the city and the generosity of donors, the special CPR training is available free to all cardiac rehab outpatients. Follow this link to read more about this important initiative.
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