Providence Foundations

Cardiac rehab center hits the ground running

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center has proven to be a big draw for patients and their referring physicians.

The center, which opened in September, already has enrolled 80 patients. The rate of participation far exceeds projections, which were estimated at 100 patients for the entire year.

"We're very encouraged by the response to our program, given that less than a third of heart disease patients in the United States participate in cardiac rehab," says Suzanne Hall, M.D., the rehabilitation center's medical director. "It's great to see our patients taking this important step to significantly reduce their risk of a repeat event and the camaraderie that they share in getting stronger every day."

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Part of Providence Heart and Vascular Institute, the center helps patients who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, valve surgery or other procedures regain their strength through an eight- to 12-week program of structured exercise, nutrition and education.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center was funded in part by donor contributions. It is located on the first floor of Providence St. Vincent's West Pavilion, allowing patients to rehabilitate in the same location as their cardiac event or procedure.

"I eat less now and look at food labels," says one patient. "I am much more aware of the impact of exercise and food choices."

Another patient compliments the staff: "They are competent, cheerful and have concern for their patients. I feel better now than I have in years."