Parkland’s cardiac rehab helps patients live well with heart disease

Since 1988, thousands of patients have benefited from the programs offered in Parkland’s Cardiac Rehab program. Kathleen McLean, a registered nurse in Parkland’s Medical Intensive Care Unit, is one of those patients. Diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism with a myocardial infarction, or blood clots in her heart and lungs, McLean was a good candidate for cardiac rehab.

“I attend three days a week and am doing well,” McLean said. “If it weren’t for some issues with my knee, I’d be 100 percent now.”

The 12-week program (36 sessions) is designed to help patients recover faster and reduce the likelihood of future heart problems. The comprehensive program focuses on a patient’s risk factors, fitness level and psychosocial well-being. During the fitness segment of the program patients participate in exercises including stretching, cardiovascular exercise such as walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike and strength training exercise. They are also given exercises they can do at home. Importantly, their risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol are monitored and addressed, and they are taught about heart disease, a heart healthy lifestyle, and their medications.

Comprised of two registered nurses, an exercise physiologist, EKG technicians and registered dietitian, the Cardiac Rehab team is able to assist patients with any heart-related issue or question they may have.

“Our goal is to see our patients ‘graduate’ from the program,” said Amy Abbott, RN II in Parkland’s Cardiac Rehab program. “We have some patients who come in and are very weak, or very scared. Many patients develop a new-found confidence to exercise far beyond what they thought they were capable of while being educated and monitored in the program. Studies have shown that cardiac rehab is associated with a 25 percent reduction in death after a heart attack.”

Motivation to change is the key to success, Abbott said, noting that men tend to make rehab more of a priority than some women in that the pressures of daily life including work and children sometimes take priority over the 12-week program. In addition, women who may be suffering from depression are less likely to take part in cardiac rehab. That said, Parkland’s staff ensures that all patients referred to the program are given the necessary tools for success, whether they attend the weekly outpatient sessions or are focusing on a home exercise program.

After receiving a referral, cardiac patients go through an orientation program which includes a six minute walk so patients’ level of activity can be gauged. During rehab, patients wear a heart monitor, have their blood pressure and glucose level checked before and after exercise, and start their exercises slowly and gradually progress until they become stronger and able to complete 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. Their risk factors are reviewed and discussed with the rehab cardiologists and the patients’ doctors. The programs are individually designed so patients can progress at their own pace

“We have some patients who are so committed to the program, that they will graduate early,” Abbott said. “Having a heart attack or being diagnosed with some type of heart disease can be scary. We are here to provide emotional support as well as help them on the road to a healthier lifestyle. It makes a difference knowing that you are not alone in this journey.”

For more information about Parkland’s Cardiac Rehab program, please call 214.590.8236.