When a person suffers a heart attack, has heart surgery, or undergoes a procedure like stenting or angioplasty, cardiac rehabilitation plays an important role in reducing their odds of having a future cardiac event.
At Chester County Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, patients begin the program with a two-hour evaluation where clinicians review their health history, perform a physical assessment, gauge exercise capacity through a six minute walk test, and discuss personal goals. After the evaluation, patients participate in a class where they learn risk factors associated with heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Once they’ve completed on-boarding, they’re ready to begin the physical activity portion of their cardiac rehabilitation.
Each patient receives an individualized safe exercise plan supervised by a nurse and exercise physiologist. The center provides continuous heart monitoring while individuals work out, putting those who may have been apprehensive to begin physical activity at ease. The nationally certified program also provides a cardiologist on site at all times.
Participants remain in the program between six and twelve weeks, which includes between 18 and 36 visits, depending on individual needs.
Those who complete the program experience significant health benefits, including reduced blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and weight loss.
"Patients gain a significantly better quality of life without restrictions. They learn how to control their symptoms, reduce emotional stress caused by the disease, and are able to return to their daily activities," said Shawn M. Hoch, MS, Clinical Manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), studies have shown a 45-47% reduction in mortality rates for patients who have participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a percutaneous coronary intervention – a non-surgical, catheter-based procedure that opens up a blood vessel in the heart.
Additionally, cardiac rehabilitation reduces national hospital readmission rates by 31%.
"Since we see patients two to three times a week, we have the opportunity to follow-up with them during their visit. We ask them if they are taking their medication, how they feel physically and emotionally, and how their lifestyle is at home. If there is a concern, such as a question on medication, we can address it quickly before it becomes a serious problem that leads to hospitalization," added Hoch.
Although there are clear benefits to cardiac rehabilitation, it is estimated that only 19-34% of cardiac patients utilize the service nationally. ";At Chester County Hospital, we have a much higher capture rate. Nearly 50% of our heart patients participate in our cardiac rehab program," said Hoch.
He attributes this to the clinical team';s outreach. "In addition to having very supportive physicians, we have an exercise physiologist who rounds the hospital to educate eligible patients about the program. And as part of discharge planning, our nurse navigator calls each patient to answer any questions and can even schedule their time in cardiac rehabilitation."
The center continuously aims to improve the patient experience, including adding services such as onsite nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian, pet therapy, and most recently aromatherapy for stress reduction. "We try new things and perform studies to see what is effective. We’re always open to new ideas to help our patients," said Hoch.
Chester County Hospital provides cardiac rehabilitation services at its outpatient locations in West Chester, PA and Kennett Square, PA. To learn more about cardiac rehabilitation, call the nurse navigator line at 610-220-0432 or visit our Cardiac Rehabilitation section.