Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Cardiac Rehab) is a vital part of recovery for patients who have experienced heart disease, heart surgery, or other serious cardiac events. At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, our comprehensive program helps patients regain strength, improve quality of life, and lower the risk of future heart problems – all close to home in West Virginia.
Who Benefits from Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab?
Patients may be eligible for cardiac rehab if they have experienced:
- A heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Heart transplant
- Stable angina
- Angioplasty (stent placement)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Proven Benefits of Cardiac Rehab
Research shows that Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation can:
- Improve quality of life by reducing depression and anxiety
- Increase exercise capacity and physical endurance
- Encourage long-term heart-healthy lifestyle changes
- Reduce the risk of future cardiac events and hospital readmissions
Our Certified Cardiac Rehab Program
The Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at WVU Medicine is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), ensuring the highest standards of care and safety.
Patients participate in a 36-session program, typically meeting three times per week. Each plan is personalized, with gradual progression toward mutually established goals for exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modification.
Multidisciplinary Care Team
Our cardiac rehab team includes physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists, exercise specialists, and respiratory therapists. Referrals are made as needed to physical therapists, registered dietitians, and diabetes educators.
We also address the emotional side of recovery. Our providers screen for depression and anxiety, offer coping strategies, and connect patients with mental health professionals when needed.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Support
Diet plays a critical role in heart health. Our cardiac rehab staff provides individual dietary assessments and guidance on making sustainable, heart-healthy choices. Patients may also be referred to a dietitian or diabetes educator for additional support.
Our Goal: Helping You Take Charge of Your Heart Health
The goal of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab is to empower patients with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to actively manage their heart health. By participating in this program, patients gain a deeper understanding of their cardiac events and learn how to stay healthier for the long term. At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, we are committed to helping patients across West Virginia and the region recover stronger and live healthier lives after heart disease or surgery.