If you have heart disease or damage, you know it's a life-long condition that will
need ongoing management. Augusta University's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is an excellent addition to your rehabilitation plan, helping you to enjoy a longer,
healthier life!
If you have heart disease or damage, you know it's a life-long condition that will
need ongoing management. Augusta University's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is an excellent addition to your rehabilitation plan, helping you to enjoy a longer,
healthier life!
Why Choose Us
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at AU Health is more than just exercise. It's a medically supervised program designed
to improve heart health. Nurses and exercise physiologists work with patients to design
precise exercise programs based on the heart's point of recovery and it's current
vital signs.
Studies show that cardiac rehabilitation provides many benefits to patients. Not only
does it help you to recover faster, but it will also help improve your blood pressure,
triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. You will also have the added benefit of better
muscle tone and reduced body fat.
If you have had a cardiac event, ask your physician to refer you to AU Health
What is a cardiac event?
- You are recovering from a heart attack, coronary bypass, or valve surgery.
- Following an angioplasty and/or stent placement.
- If you are experiencing stable chest pain.
- Have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
We are a certified cardiac rehabilitation facility
AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual facilities
for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and
other professional societies.
Well-equipped exercise facilities
Patients are able to use our indoor track and exercise equipment in a gym-like atmosphere. A specially-trained
staff is on hand to supervise and monitor your exercise program.
What We Offer
Cardiac rehab helps you to make some important health changes to your lifestyle and
the best part is, you don't have to do it alone. We are here to guide you so that
you get the most out of these changes. The main components of your rehabilitation
will include:
- Exercise: We offer monitored exercise sessions at our clinic.
- Diet: We'll teach you all the tricks to eating healthy and making good food choices.
- Stress reduction: Through relaxation techniques, recreation, and music.
- Medications: Always take as directed by your physician.
- Smoking cessation: We can help you kick this harmful habit. Find out more
- Heart health education: There's so much to learn when it comes to healthy living.
How It Works
Cardiac rehabilitation at Augusta University Health is divided into three phases of
care.
Phase One
While you are in the hospital recovering from a heart event, a physical therapist
will go over the benefits and limitations of physical activity after your procedure.
During your recovery period, PTs help you gradually and safely resume activity.
Phase Two
This can begin as early as one to two weeks after you have been discharged. Most insurance
companies cover all, or a portion, of phase two which continues for up to 12 weeks,
consisting of:
- Up to 3 supervised, EKG- monitored, exercise sessions per week.
- Activities, including walking on treadmill, riding on stationary bike, arm cycling,
rowing, and strength training.
- Counseling on diet and nutrition, stress management, and other factors that may contribute
to heart disease.
- Developing a personal exercise program.
Phase Three
For a monthly fee, you can continue your exercise at the Augusta University Cardiovascular
Clinic where the staff can monitor you in case you experience symptoms or complications.
Locations
Conveniently located in our freestanding cardiac outpatient clinic:
- Augusta University Cardiovascular Clinic
937 15th Street
Augusta, Georgia 30912
706-721-9055
Specialities: Advanced heart failure, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology,
cardiac rehabilitation