Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Graduate Proud of Heart Health Progress
About two years ago Alberta Brassfield noticed shortness of breath and fatigue when she was walking. Her primary care physician ordered a heart catheterization that found that she had left heart dysfunction.
Brassfield, now 79, was referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation at Gritman Medical Center, a supervised exercise program led by medical professionals who keep a close eye on participants and health metrics like blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels.
“I think those two are great. They are knowledgeable, caring and always keep an eye on everybody. If anybody falters, they are right there” she said. “I think everything they have here is great. It’s a good group of people come here.”
Her endurance has greatly improved in the years since starting the regimen. She started in the physician-referred Cardiac Rehabilitation program, with three sessions each week. Brassfield has since graduated to the wellness program, a self-directed exercise schedule that she participates in twice per week.
She walks on the treadmill, uses the NuStep recumbent stepper, PhysioStep recumbent elliptical and finishes with hand weights and exercises. During exercise and weights, Brassfield always complains to Kristi and Allyssa about the number of squats they make the group do. So far, they haven’t cut back on the number of squats, and she hasn’t stopped complaining, Brassfield joked.
She tries to spend about an hour and 45 minutes exercising in the Cardiac Rehabilitation gym during each session.
Between experiencing improved endurance and the social atmosphere of the Cardiac Rehab gym, Brassfield finds fulfillment in keeping her heart close to home for this part of her routine.
“I think this is just a valuable resource for the community,” she said.
Learn more about heart health services available through the Gritman Medical Center system at gritman.org/healthyheart.
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