Cardiac Rehabilitation

The cardiac rehabilitation program is located in the Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute (MCI). The goal of the cardiac rehab program is to actively assist the cardiac patient in achieving and maintaining his/her optimal state of health and thus assist the patient and family in returning to a lifestyle that is healthy, satisfying and productive. The program is designed to meet the individual needs of patients with cardiovascular problems, specifically people who have suffered a heart attack; have angina or coronary artery disease; have undergone balloon angioplasty or open heart surgery; or who even exhibit "high risk factors" for heart disease. Family members are also encouraged to participate in the patient's cardiac rehabilitation by attending the educational classes.

Baptist Medial Center South's program consists of three phases:

Phase I - Inpatient Program

Phase I emphasizes education and exercise during the patient's hospital stay. The cardiac rehab staff reviews the patient's chart and plans an educational program for each patient. Slides, videos, books and pamphlets are used. If needed, a physical therapist is consulted to work with the patient to develop an exercise program to follow during the hospital stay and at home. Our dietitians provide American Heart Association, Health Heart Diet education to each patient.

Phase II - Outpatient Monitored Program

Phase II is a 27-session program consisting of one hour of education per week and one hour of monitored exercise three times a week for nine weeks.

Phase III – Life Long Exercise Program

Phase III involves making positive life changes and assisting patients to develop an exercise program they can continue for life as this is the ultimate goal of cardiac rehab. The program can be in a group, fitness center or an individual home exercise program. Baptist South cardiac rehab assists the patient with establishing their personal Phase III program.

For more information about Baptist Medical Center South's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, please call 334-286-3410.