Cardiac Rehabilitation

Jackson Hole Heart Health Program

Many people who have never had any other health conditions are shocked to learn they have a heart condition, the reason being that heart issues rarely come with warning symptoms. The good news is that it’s not too late to turn things around.

A consistent program of heart-healthy exercise and lifestyle modification is the key to successful cardiac rehabilitation. St. John’s Medical Center cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) provides progressive phases of exercise under medical supervision and education for cardiac patients.

Our program is designed to provide a safe and monitored exercise environment to enhance the recovery process. Patients exercise with ECG monitoring as prescribed by their physician and as their condition warrants. Exercise programs are specifically designed to meet the individual patient’s needs and goals. Our cardiac rehabilitation staff is Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) certified and our facility is fully equipped to handle emergency situations. Individualized education to modify risk factors is provided by health educators, nurses, physical therapists and other health care providers.

Do I Need Cardiac Rehab?

If you have ever suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, or cardiac event, you may be an eligible candidate for cardiac rehab. Even if you have had a cardiac operation like a balloon angioplasty, you can still benefit from cardiac rehab. Cardiac procedures help to treat your condition, but are not a cure. Instilling healthy habits is a must to prevent heart disease from causing more problems.

How does the program work?

• Our cardiac rehabilitation program consists of three important elements:
• Cardiovascular exercise
• Resistance and flexibility training
• Group and/or individual education

Exercise is generally scheduled for three sessions per week for up to twelve weeks. Each session includes continuous 3-lead ECG monitoring during exercise as appropriate.

Cardiovascular exercise may include treadmill walking, bicycling and upper body cycling. Resistance training with free weights and weight machines increases functional capacity. Flexibility training is incorporated to improve posture and function.

Education provided is based on cardiac diagnosis, individual needs and personal risk factors.

How Do I Get Into the Program?

Please visit with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for cardiac rehabilitation. Many insurance companies will cover this very important part of your recovery. You will need a doctor’s prescription for cardiac rehabilitation. Call 307.739.7628 for more information or to set up an appointment.