Cardiac Rehabilitation

At Prince William Hospital, we offer a complete exercise therapy and education program for individuals who have been diagnosed with heart disease or angina and those who are recovering from a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or a heart transplant. The Cardiac Rehabilitation department provides a comfortable, supportive environment for recovery. The 12-week program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

An individualized exercise program is developed for each participant so that workouts are self-paced and tailored to meet specific goals. As strength and confidence increase, exercises are altered to challenge the new endurance level. This medically supervised progression of activity is designed to strengthen the cardiovascular system as well as increase muscular strength and flexibility. Other benefits of exercise therapy include lowered levels of body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol and increased tolerance to stress.

During educational sessions, participants learn about risk factors for heart disease. They are shown how to replace poor habits with a healthier lifestyle and given emotional support to make important changes in the way they live.

You must be referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation by your physician, who will take an active role in your care throughout the program. Prior to beginning the program, you will have a graded exercise stress test. The results of the test will determine the amount of exercise you can safely perform and will be the starting point for your exercise program. The first session will include an evaluation and orientation.

Phase 2 is a 12-week monitored exercise program that incorporates educational sessions in nutrition, medication instruction, stress management and cardiac health education. During exercise, your heart rate and rhythm will be monitored by EKG telemetry. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation and other symptoms are also continuously monitored by our professional rehabilitation staff. Phase 3 is an unmonitored maintenance program.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is located on the first floor of the Medical Building 1 (Health Center) and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The department is staffed by a medical advisor, cardiac rehabilitation nurses and exercise physiologists. In addition, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists and counselors are available. The cost of the rehabilitation programs is reimbursed by most insurance companies. For more information, contact Cardiac Rehabilitation at (703) 369-8474.