Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs
 The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program provides a wide range of comprehensive services to cardiovascular patients. In addition, FMC offers a program to pulmonary patients as well.
Designed to support the physical, emotional and social needs of the patient and family, the programs offers a continuum of care to patients in Northern Arizona. Patients receive a specialized plan of care developed by our specialty trained team which includes:
- Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- Exercise Physiologist
- Registered Dietitians
- Technicial Staff
Four-phase Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs
The programs offer four levels of cardiac and pulmonary fitness and rehabilitation. A physician is on-site at the medical centers during exercise sessions. The programs adhere to guidelines of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
All patients enter the programs through a physician referral and written prescription. An assessment of patient diagnosis is required prior to scheduling the evaluation and as a precursor to formulating the exercise prescription. Patients are carefully interviewed and assessed to determine their placement in the program. Referring physicians receive monthly update reports on the progress of their patients.
Phase I - Cardiac (FMC and VVMC) and Pulmonary (FMC only):
- Focuses on patients who are in the hospital.
- Provides comprehensive education regarding the patient’s disease, medications, procedures and care issues.
- Provides physical activity as prescribed by physician.
Phase II - Cardiac (FMC and VVMC):
- Designed for cardiac patients who have had a heart attack, coronary bypass, valve surgery or stent placement within the last year, or who have stable angina.
- Requires stress test by referring physician or from facility of his/her choice.
- Initial evaluation is performed by registered nurse and exercise physiologist.
- Patients are monitored the entire session, including vital signs, heart rhythm and oxygen saturations.
- Education provided, individualized for the patient’s needs. Includes relaxation and stress management techniques, nutrition and medication instruction.
- Individualized exercise program is planned.
- Up to 36 sessions at 50 minutes each.
Phase II - Pulmonary (FMC only):
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is offered as a monitored exercise program for those patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to assist the patient in coping with their disease and improving the quality of life.
- Respiratory therapists and nurses provide one-on-one education on home equipment, oxygen use and proper breathing techniques.
- Initial evaluation includes a six-minute walking test.
- Each session is 50 minutes of monitored exercise.
- Individualized exercise program is planned. Patients may be instructed in pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing techniques, chest percussion and postural drainage.
Phase III - Cardiac (FMC and VVMC) and Pulmonary (FMC only):
- Designed for patients who have completed Phase II and want to continue exercise in a group setting.
- This is a maintenance program for the more independent patient; a cardiac monitor is used as needed.
- Vital signs and pulse oximetry are checked.
- Usually not covered by insurance (participating patients are self-pay).
Phase IV - Cardiac (FMC and VVMC) and Pulmonary (FMC only):
- Designed for patients who have completed Phase III without any complications or hospitalization for three months.
- This maintenance program is for the more independent patient.
- Vital signs and pulse oximetry are checked.
- This phase is not covered by insurance ( participating patients are self-pay).
Education
Cardiac Education: Each month, the VVMC Cardiac Rehabilitation department provides classes on reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as diet and stress. Class participation is limited to heart patients currently attending the VVMC Cardiac Rehabilitation program. For information, please call 928 639-6322.
Heart of the Matter: As a complimentary service, Verde Valley Medical Center presents a cardiac education topic to the community the second Monday of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms B & C. The lectures are given by a VVMC Medical Staff member or other clinical staff member with the intention of providing current, useful information about cardiac health. Call 928 639-6322 for more information.
Mended Hearts: The Flagstaff chapter of Mended Hearts is sponsored by FMC and meets from 10 a.m. - noon, the third Saturday of each month in FMC’s Cardiac Rehab Gym (located across from the Dining Room on East Campus).
Patients meet to discuss the challenges of dealing with chronic cardiac and pulmonary diseases. This informal setting provides peer socialization as well as a support network for participants and family members.
Contact Cardiac Rehab: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
At FMC, call 928 773-2224
At VVMC, call 928 639-6322
To make an appointment with one of our world-class physicians, call 877 928-WELL.
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