Cardiac rehabilitation is a post-surgery program designed to meet individual needs with exercise, education counseling, and a support network. This is an important part of recovery from open heart surgery. YOUR CARDIOLOGIST AND SURGEON RECOMMEND YOU PARTICIPATE IN CARDIAC REHAB TO ENHANCE YOUR RECOVERY PROCESS. While in rehabilitation, your physician will regularly review your progress.
There are three phases of cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehab Phase 1
Phase 1 of cardiac rehabilitation actually begins while you are in the hospital. You will learn about activity guidelines, eating a heart healthy diet, and lifestyle modification. Phase 1 is designed to increase your activity and prepare you for discharge.
Before you are released to go home, you will be scheduled for outpatient cardiac rehab (Phase 2) between two and four weeks after surgery.
Cardiac Rehab Phase 2
A cardiac rehabilitation nurse and exercise physiologist will review your health history and insurance benefits at your initial appointment to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
You will be enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation three days a week lasting anywhere from 8-12 weeks.
You will participate in exercise classes with other heart patients in a safe environment that allows the healthcare team to monitor your heart rate and rhythm response to the exercise workload. Your progress will be assessed throughout the program. As you become stronger, the staff will adjust your program to fit your individual needs. Information will be provided to your doctor about your progress.
A variety of education classes on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle will be provided by cardiac nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists and pharmacists.
Cardiac Rehab Phase 3
Phase 3 of cardiac rehabilitation is a “maintenance” phase that you can choose to enroll in after Phase 2 is completed. This is a way to keep exercising and to continue learning about your existing heart condition.
You will no longer be monitored on a heart monitor, but the healthcare team is there to continue to provide you with guidance and support.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Covenant Health Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Anderson County*
Methodist Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation
(865) 835-5235
Hamblen County*
Morristown Hamblen
(423) 492-5210
Knox County*
Parkwest Cardiac Rehab
(865) 531-5560
Fort Sanders Cardiac Rehab
(865) 541-1250
Loudon County
Fort Loudon Cardiac Rehabilitation
(865) 271-6030
Roane County*
Roane Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation
(865) 316-2825
Sevier County*
LeConte Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation
(865) 446-8500
Area Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Blount County
Blount Hospital Cardiopulmonary and Medical Fitness
(865) 977-4748
Bradley County
Sky Ridge Medical Center
(423) 559-6032
Claiborne County
Claiborne County Hospital
(423) 526-2191
Cumberland County
Cumberland Medical Center
(931) 459-7379
McMinn County*
Columbia/Athens Regional Medical Center
(423) 744-3321
Putnam County
Cookeville Regional Medical Center
(931) 783-2689
Rhea County
Rhea Medical Center
(423) 775-8673
* These clinics hold a national certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilition for consistent clinical outcomes for heart patients.