Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab, is a therapy program that helps people recover and thrive after a heart procedure or heart problem such as a heart attack. It also helps prevent other heart issues and improves symptoms through:

• Supervised exercise
• Nutrition and heart health education
• Lifestyle modification
• Support for psychological and social needs

Through cardiac rehabilitation, our team of experts helps you recover and return to an independent, productive lifestyle. As one of the largest programs with heart health rehabilitation services on the East Coast, we help hundreds of people in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions reach their health goals each year.

Our dedicated staff of cardiologists, registered nurses, and exercise physiologists offer individualized monitored exercise programs and education based on your needs in a supportive environment that helps you build the confidence necessary to get your life back.

Graduates of our program experience significant improvements in various areas, including blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, and overall exercise tolerance. Additionally, many report better mental health, improved dietary habits, and enhanced symptoms and quality of life.

Is cardiac rehab right for you?

People of all ages can benefit from cardiac rehab. It’s often prescribed for individuals who have experienced heart-related conditions or treatments.

• Angina
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Peripheral artery disease
• Angioplasty and stenting
• Coronary bypass graft surgery
• Heart catheterization
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve surgery
• Ventricular assist devices

Customized care for optimal heart health and recovery

Our heart specialists are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our patients through an individualized approach. By thoroughly reviewing your medical regimen and lifestyle, our team determines the most effective treatment plan for you. The specific goals of our program include helping you return to an active lifestyle, increasing your energy for daily activities, easing your transition to healthier eating habits, reducing your medication needs, minimizing your risk factors and disease progression, and preventing future cardiac issues.

Penn Medicine experts guiding your path to a stronger heart

Our cardiac rehabilitation team will guide you to better manage cardiac risk factors through:

• Exercise: We create an individualized aerobic exercise plan designed specifically for you. We’ll help you gain strength and improve endurance so you can get back to your usual activities, including work, hobbies, and regular exercise.
• Nutrition: Our experts help you learn about the importance of healthy eating habits, weight control, and smart food choices to help you lose weight and better manage your blood sugar and cholesterol.
• Education: We’ll provide individual education that covers controllable risk factors that contribute to heart disease so you can take a more active and responsible role in your recovery.
• Support: Our staff will address your concerns and give ongoing encouragement to help you cope with any emotions you may be feeling about your disease process. You can even participate in our support group after graduating.