Regular physical activity reduces your risk of developing health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. But what if you've already had a heart attack or been diagnosed with a cardiac condition?

"After a heart attack, angioplasty or a stent procedure, the heart muscle needs to heal and regain strength. Exercise is essential to a successful recovery because it helps repair damage and strengthens the heart," explains Christine Smith, MA, a certified exercise physiologist at Doylestown Hospital's Health and Wellness Center in Warrington.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of physical activity, nutrition counseling and health education for women and men with heart disease. The goal of cardiac rehab is to help patients begin a safe level of exercise, make heart-healthy lifestyle changes, prevent future heart problems and return to a full, active life.

Participants in the three-phase Cardiac Rehab Program at Doylestown Hospital receive personal attention, customized goal setting and close supervision from an expert team of certified exercise physiologists, registered dieticians and registered nurses who specialize in cardiac care.

"Throughout all phases, we encourage participants to see their physician for regular progress reports and to verify coverage for this program with their insurance company," notes Ms. Smith. A physician referral is required for cardiac rehabilitation.

Three phases to a healthier heart

Phase 1 is designed for people who are still in Doylestown Hospital's Heart Center and just beginning their recovery. Initial sessions include counseling about the causes, risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Exercise physiologists assist patients with light physical activity, such as getting out of bed and walking the halls.

Phase 2 Once patients are discharged from the hospital, they may begin phase 2 as an outpatient. This phase is open to any member of the community recovering from a cardiac event, even if treatment was first given at another hospital. During phase 2, patients receive continuous EKG monitoring during exercise sessions, which start slowly and gradually progress in duration and intensity. Counseling emphasizes nutrition, smoking cessation, stress management and behavior modification.

In Phase 3, also open to every community member, participants continue outpatient rehab at the Doylestown Hospital Health and Wellness Center. This is a supervised transition phase that equips participants with the tools and skills needed to maintain total wellness on their own.

To learn more, call 215-345-2390 or 215-918-5870.

What will you gain from cardiac rehab?

• Exercise helps lower your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level - preventing future heart problems.
• A healthy diet can lower blood cholesterol, control weight, and help control high blood pressure and other problems such as diabetes.
• If you smoke, you'll have access to resources to help you conquer your habit.
• You'll learn stress-management and relaxation techniques.

Who should begin cardiac rehabilitation?

• Have heart disease, such as angina or heart failure, or are recovering from a heart attack
• Have had heart bypass surgery, angioplasty or a stent procedure
• Have had a heart transplant