Cardiac Rehabilitation at Covenant Health in Tennessee

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.

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.

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.