Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital’s nationally certified cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program is designed to help patients recover, both physically and emotionally, from a heart attack, heart-related procedures or heart surgery.

Through monitored, individualized physical exercise, education, and counseling, OLBH’s highly trained and skilled cardiac rehabilitation professionals work together with the patient, family, and the patient’s physician.

“Almost everyone with heart disease can benefit from some type of cardiac rehab,” Debbie Martin, RN, OLBH Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse specialist, said. “Our nationally certified program helps to assure patients are receiving the most advanced treatment available.”


Your OLBH Cardiac Rehab Team

The cardiac rehab team at OLBH consists of many healthcare professionals. Your team may include:

• Doctors (family physician, heart specialist, and possibly a surgeon)
• Nurses
• Exercise Specialists
• Physical and Occupational Therapists
• Dietitians
• Social Workers

Getting Started

Cardiac rehab often begins in the hospital after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart procedure. It continues on an outpatient basis after you leave the hospital.

Components of the OLBH Cardiac Rehabilitation program include:

• A comprehensive evaluation by OLBH’s professional cardiac rehab team.
• Development of an individualized lifestyle plan to reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
• Supervised exercise sessions to evaluate your heart condition, speed recovery, and improve endurance.
• Education and counseling to help you understand your heart condition and find ways to reduce the risk of future heart problems.

The hospital’s cardiac rehab team teaches the specific skills needed to help you stop unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, and begin healthy behaviors such as eating a heart-healthy diet.

The rehab plan is based on your individual risk factors and special needs. “The plan’s length varies based on individual needs,” Martin added. It is necessary for each patient to complete their recommended rehab plan.

OLBH offers patients a cardiac rehab support group, Cardiac Express. “A support network, such as Cardiac Express, can be of great assistance by sharing the common experience of rehab,” Martin said. “Family members also are an integral part of the recovery process and are encouraged to attend any education or exercise session.”

Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies pay for some or all of the cost of cardiac rehabilitation. Contact your medical insurance provider to obtain information about coverage. Also speak to your personal physician about how cardiac rehab can benefit you.

Cardiac rehab has lifetime benefits. For more information on cardiac rehabilitation services at OLBH, contact the OLBH Human Motion Vitality Center, at (606) 833-3515.