Our comprehensive cardiac rehab program helps you recover and return to an independent, productive lifestyle. As one of the largest programs on the East Coast, we help hundreds of people reach their goals each year.
What Is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac rehab, or cardiac rehabilitation, is a therapy program. It helps people recover and thrive after a heart procedure or heart problem such as a heart attack. It also prevents other heart issues and improves symptoms through:
- Supervised exercise
- Nutrition and heart health education
- Lifestyle modification
- Support for your psychological and social needs
What Is Vascular Rehab?
Vascular rehab’s comprehensive services are like cardiac rehab’s. It’s a noninvasive way to improve symptoms related to vascular disease, including blockages.
Benefits of Cardiac Rehab
Graduates of our program experience significant improvements in:
- Blood flow throughout the body
- Blood pressure
- Depression and mental health
- Dietary abilities
- Exercise tolerance
- Heart rate
- Symptoms and quality of life
Is Cardiac or Vascular Rehab Right for You?
People of all ages can benefit from heart and vascular rehab. It can improve your quality of life if you have experienced:
Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiovascular Treatments
Cardiac Rehab: Why Choose Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health?
Our rehabilitation team is committed to helping you return to the healthiest and most active lifestyle possible. Our skilled and compassionate nurses, exercise physiologists and staff work with you to develop a tailored exercise program. They also provide educational and emotional support to help you make healthy lifestyle choices.
You can also expect:
- High-quality care: Our rehab program has national American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab (AACVPR) accreditation. This certification is only awarded to programs that deliver great outcomes, whole-person care and an outstanding patient experience.
- Exceptional staff: Our rehab team includes The Heart Group cardiologists, along with AACVPR-certified exercise physiologists and cardiac rehab nurses with critical care experience. They bring decades of cardiovascular rehab experience and a great reputation to your care. Our team also meets regularly to ensure our patients receive the highest level of care possible.
- New exercise equipment: You exercise on top-of-the-line equipment, including rowers, bikes, air bikes (a cross between an elliptical and a stationary bike) and treadmills. We use advanced cardiac monitors that gauge your progress and health and keep you safe.
- Latest advances: Our team includes an internationally recognized cardiac rehab consultant. This person is also a leader in renowned organizations including the AACVPR. Their role on our team ensures our program offers the latest advances and standards for cardiac rehab care.
- Personalized plans: Cardiac and vascular rehab plans are tailored to each person’s health, abilities and goals. Our cardiologists update your individualized plan every 30 days based on your progress. Whether you want to run around with your grandchildren, get back to golf or walk more, we’ll help you get there.
- Cardiac rehab nurse navigator: Normally, hospitals call patients after heart procedures to see if they could benefit from cardiac rehab. We take this outreach a step further. Our cardiac rehab nurses visit people in the hospital after inpatient and outpatient procedures. They explain the benefits of cardiac rehab and answer your questions in person. They also take care of referrals, so you don’t have to.
- Insurance help: We work closely with your insurance company to help you qualify for our program.
Rapid Rehab Program
Cardiac rehab after angioplasty and stenting is just as important as heart surgery rehab. That’s why we offer an accelerated program for people with stents who need to get back to work sooner.
The program involves cardiac rehab five days a week for two weeks instead of the typical 12 weeks. You get the benefits of cardiac rehab without the time commitment.
What to Expect During Heart and Vascular Rehab
Our 36-session program gives you the support and confidence to feel better and do more. We offer an upbeat atmosphere with music and a friendly, hands-on staff.
Participants typically do three sessions per week for 12 weeks. But with our flexible scheduling, you can plan them around your life and obligations.
Your first few visits are one-on-one education and exercise sessions. During them, we:
- Assess your health, fitness level and abilities
- Talk about your goals
- Teach you how to use our gym equipment
- Start you on our dietary program
Once you are comfortable, we transition you to our group sessions. You can expect assessments every 30 days. These assessments show your progress and help us adjust your treatment plan. Our team keeps you safe as you reach your goals—and set new ones.
Education Sessions
We tailor our nurse-led group education session to your needs. Topics include:
- Heart-healthy eating
- How to manage blood pressure
- Medications
- Smoking cessation
- How exercise benefits heart health
Exercise Sessions
Your exercise physiologist guides you as you exercise on machines including treadmills and steppers. You learn how to exercise safely and get the most benefit. Your exercise physiologist also makes sure you feel comfortable and confident enough to push yourself.
While you exercise, we monitor your symptoms and vital signs, including your blood pressure and heart rate. The cardiologist overseeing your care reviews this data and makes recommendations to help you improve.
Cardiac and Vascular Rehab Locations
We offer three cardiac rehab locations in Central Pennsylvania. Learn more about our locations and hours:
Related Programs
Schedule a Heart or Vascular Rehab Appointment
Both Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health patients and non-Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health patients are welcome in our program. Call us at 717-544-3126, and we’ll guide you through the enrollment process.