What is Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab?
Surviving a heart attack or any other cardiovascular or pulmonary event doesn't end with the trip home from the hospital. A program for rebuilding cardiovascular or pulmonary function is crucial for complete recovery. This is the reason for Aspen Valley Hospital's Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. It helps people who have cardiovascular or pulmonary disease to reclaim the richness of an active life.

Phase I of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
This phase provides education and exercise during hospitalization following a cardiac event such as a heart attack, angina, or heart surgery, or for pulmonary patients following diagnosis or treatment for COPD, asthma, or pulmonary insufficiency.

Education involves understanding the disease process, the risk factors and their reduction, testing, and traditional treatment.

Exercise means in-hospital ambulation and range of motion under monitored supervision, done by hospital RNs or Exercise Physiologists.

Phase II of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
In this phase, we offer outpatient education and exercise for cardiac patients immediately following hospitalization. Pulmonary patients may enter this program if the physician deems it medically necessary. This 3-month (or 36-session) program is covered by most insurance policies. Patients who have been hospitalized here or elsewhere for a heart attack, angina, heart surgery, or cardiomyopathy may participate in this phase of aftercare.

Participants exercise at our Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Center with monitored supervision of heart rhythm, blood pressure, weight, and any cardiac symptoms. In addition, we monitor oxygen saturation and provide oxygen for pulmonary patients. All therapists are trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and a physician is available at all times should an emergency ever arise.

Education focuses on risk reduction through life-long maintenance of exercise and a heart-healthy lifestyle. We evaluate each patients' needs and help create an individual program that addresses nutrition, medication, home exercise, stress, smoking cessation (if necessary), and other lifestyle changes.

Phase III of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
This final phase involves a maintenance exercise program at our Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Center, at home, or at a health club per each participant's choice. (Patients who choose to work out at our Rehab Center pay a monthly fee.)

Participants work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while monitoring their own heart rate and weight. Cardiac monitors are no longer needed during exercise, and blood pressure and oxygen saturation (if indicated) are monitored by staff, but less frequently than in Phase II. Staff are available for overall supervision, but the patient takes primary responsibility for his or her own program.

Insurance does not cover the Phase III maintenance program.

Support/Discussion Group
Aspen Valley Hospital offers a cardio-pulmonary support group once a month to promote healthier living. While exercise is an important aspect of cardio-pulmonary health, it is equally important to live a full, relaxed, and balanced life. Our goals include promoting lifestyle changes, altering perspective, resolving conflict, improving communication, finding balance in one's life, and strengthening personal relationships.