Cardiac Rehabilitation
An important part of Merit Health Wesley's heart care is helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. If you've been diagnosed with a heart-related condition, your doctor may decide to prescribe treatment to help strengthen your heart, reduce risk factors, inform you about healthy nutrition and safety precautions as you return home and help you resume a normal or semi-normal lifestyle. The staff is dedicated to helping you recover faster and more completely — we just need your cooperation. Let us help you get educated on your heart health, learn how to be more active and get on with your life as a stronger and healthier you.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to improve strength and endurance so you can participate in daily activities, helping you to become more independent. Pulmonary rehab is recommended for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, post-COVID syndrome and sarcoidosis. A physician referral is required. Please contact your insurance provider for information on program coverage.
Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program is recommended for patients who have a documented diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction within the preceding 12 months, have had coronary bypass surgery (CABG), have stable angina pectoris, have had heart valve repair/replacement, have had percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary stenting or have had a heart or heart-lung transplant.
The program lasts between 12-18 weeks (36 sessions at 2 or 3 sessions/week). During this time period the program coordinator assesses each patient's status and prescribes new exercise programs weekly based on progress. A nurse and/or an exercise physiologist continuously monitors patients with telemetry units throughout the entire workout session. The patient's heart rate, blood pressure and SaO2 are monitored half way through each exercise to eliminate adverse reactions. The coordinator will submit a 30 and 60-day progress letter to the physician for review.
A physician referral is required. Please contact your insurance provider for information on program coverage.
Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program is recommended for patients who have completed Phase II and have a stable level of exercise tolerance, no ischemic reactions and no abnormal dysrhythmia. Patients must also have minimal levels of angina and dyspnea during maximum exercise and normal resting blood pressure and heart rates.
During Phase III, the patient is able to exercise independently, but may still request their blood pressure, pulse or SaO2 be monitored by the staff of the Wellness Center. The exercise program is for cardiac or pulmonary patients that have successfully completed the Phase II program. The patient wishing to join the Phase III program will need to join the Institute for Wellness and Sports Medicine.
While a physician statement is required, there is no additional cost if you are a paying Wellness Center member.
For more information, please contact the Merit Health Wellness Center at (601) 268-5033.