Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a medically supervised program that focuses on all aspects of recovery, as well as risk factor modification.   Our program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and medically directed by a New England Heart Institute (NEHI) board-certified cardiologist. 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Parkland was designed by the experts at NEHI to meet the individualized cardiac needs of our patients and to limit the effects of a cardiac illness, stabilize and reduce cardiac symptoms, and improve your overall health.  Our goal is to help you return to and maintain your best possible physical and emotional health by providing you with a safe, structured environment for cardio vascular rehabilitative physical activity and education. The program includes progressive exercise conditioning, lifestyle changes, nutritional counseling, education and emotional support for people who have a cardiac diagnosis.

What to Expect

During your first visit to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Parkland Medical Center, you will meet privately with one of Parkland’s Cardiac Rehabilitation specialists for your initial assessment interview and cardiovascular physical. Together, you will develop health goals and a treatment plan. At your second visit, you will be instructed on how to begin an individualized exercise program developed for you by a Parkland Medical Center Exercise Physiologist. Your exercise will be progressed at your own tolerance level to improve your strength, endurance and heart function.  During your sessions your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm will be closely monitored. Your progress will be discussed with you and communicated to your physician. You will also have the opportunity to meet privately with a Parkland Medical Center Registered Dietician for nutritional guidance.  In addition, the program will teach you the skills you need to live a heart healthy lifestyle.

Goals of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

• Provide education on risk factor modification techniques
• Reduce the risk for future cardiac events
• Increase functional capacity
• Establish a home exercise program
• Instill confidence to resume a normal lifestyle

Program Information and Topics

Once a week, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Parkland Medical Center offers a cardiac educational class. The classes and topics are designed to educate you on how to live a healthier lifestyle.  Educational topics may include:

• Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
• Hypertension
• Weight Loss
• Exercise Principles
• Home Exercise
• Stress Management
• Diabetes Education
• Cardiac Medication
• Cholesterol
• Cardiac Conditions
• Smoking & Heart Disease

Discharge Planning

Parkland Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team works to prepare you for independent exercise and lifestyle changes upon being discharged from the program.  Parkland also offers you the option of joining the Cardiac Rehabilitation Maintenance Program. The maintenance program is a self-paid program that consists of independent exercise with staff supervision.

How to Begin

A referral from your physician is required to begin the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Once you have a referral the staff will assist you in setting up your first appointment. Please call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at (603) 432-1500 x3076. Most insurance companies will provide complete or partial coverage for cardiac rehabilitation. We encourage each participant to call their health insurance company and inquire about cardiac rehabilitation coverage and guidelines. Cardiac Rehabilitation classes are held 3 times per week, Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Classes are approximately one hour long.

 Center for Cardiology  Cardiology Resources