What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Gritman Medical Center's Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a physician referred, comprehensive outpatient wellness program for cardiac patients that have had either bypass surgery, a heart attack or stable angina. Through physical conditioning, education and counseling, the program helps heart disease and heart surgery patients to safely resume the activities of daily life.

What Can You Expect from Cardiac Rehabilitation?
The Cardiac Rehabilitation program provides you with the support and direction you'll need to make necessary life-style changes. The program helps you to:

• Understand and reduce your risk factors for heart disease
• Learn how to manage your condition with a healthy diet
• Develop a safe exercise program that will return you to optimal physical condition
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Rebuild a healthy lifestyle

Program Components
Physical Conditioning
Cardiac Rehabilitation is centered around gradually increasing your physical fitness levels. The hour long, supervised exercise sessions are held three times each week at Gritman Medical Center. The exercise program that you will follow is designed specifically for you by your physician and the program's exercise therapist. During your exercise session you will be closely supervised and monitored with an electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring system. Exercise equipment used may include a treadmill and Airdyne cycle. All participants are instructed in the importance of exercise, safe exercise habits, recognizing when to slow down or stop, and symptoms to report to the physician.

After you have completed the 12 week program you may be enrolled in Cardiac Maintenance. This phase of the program involves the continuation of exercise or a walking program, pulse taking, and equipment use. Emphasis is placed on endurance exercises and continued behavioral changes. A spouse or family member is invited and encouraged to participate with you.

Education
Understanding and learning about your condition is critical to your recovery. The educational component will help you increase your knowledge and understanding about your heart condition. A variety of topics are covered including modifying risk factors, nutrition and diet, and stress reduction. In addition, the Cardiac Rehabilitation staff is available to you for individual counseling. Your family members are invited and encouraged to attend the educational sessions with you.

Enrolling in the Program
The program is offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A physician's referral is required for this program. Talk with your physician or call Cardiac Rehabilitation at (208) 883-6201 for more information about joining the program. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program is approved by Medicare for reimbursement. Many private insurance companies will also cover this program. Please consult your insurance carrier for coverage information.

About the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Gritman Medical Center consists of a comprehensive team of medical professionals. While you are in the program your treatment and care is carefully monitored by registered nurses specially trained in cardiac rehabilitation. Your physician, along with exercise physiologists and registered dietitians, plays a vital role in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Other disciplines, such as Physical Therapy and Social Services, are included in the team as needed.