Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation works with people who have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina pectoris (chest pain), coronary artery bypass surgery, valve replacement, or coronary angioplasty.

Each individual’s risk factors are assessed to develop a personal prevention plan. Patients then learn how to exercise for their heart.

The cardiac rehab staff look at each person’s health risks as we personalize a plan to help prevent future problems. A main part of this plan is reconditioning the heart through a two-phase exercise program:

• Phase 1 begins in the hospital when you are recovering from angina, a heart attack or heart surgery. It emphasizes a gradual increase in the amount and type of exercise.
• Phase 2 generally lasts four to 12 weeks after you leave the hospital. This program combines medical supervision with EKG heart monitoring as you exercise in our dedicated outpatient area, located on the first floor of the hospital.

Owatonna Hospital’s cardiac rehab program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification means our program meets or exceeds national care standards.

Our registered cardiac rehab nurses work with each participant and his or her loved ones to achieve these goals:

• Safely increase heart efficiency and physical work capacity.
• Reduce risk for recurrence of symptoms.
• Cope with lifestyle changes and stress.

The Phase 2 program includes comprehensive education on topics like these:

• How the heart works
• Effects and benefits of exercise
• How hard should I exercise
• Heart attack versus chest pain
• Nutrition
• Sexual activity
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Stress management 

In addition to rehabilitation, our cardiac stress testing services support effective diagnosis and treatment.

To learn about preventing or living with heart disease, visit Helping Your Heart online manual.