What To Expect in Cardiac Rehab
Intake Day
You will arrive at the Heart and Lung Center and check in at outpatient registration. Guest Services, located just outside our office can help direct you in. During this intake appointment an exercise physiologist will explain what cardiac rehab is and what to expect during your program. They will review your heart condition, risk factors for heart disease, heart‑healthy nutrition guidelines and recommendations for exercise at home.
Your first visit also includes a brief, 10‑minute exercise session. During this time, your EKG, vital signs and any symptoms will be monitored. Before you leave, we will schedule your next appointment and answer any questions.
Day 1 (Full Class)
Arrive to the gym at your scheduled class time. Our team will measure your weight and place your EKG leads. You will sit and rest while we take your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood sugar.
We will ask a few quick questions, including:
- Have you eaten today?
- Medications taken
- Home exercise since your last visit
- Fruit and vegetable servings yesterday
We will also schedule your next class.
Exercise
You will be introduced to new equipment as needed. The goal is to exercise for 30–45 minutes, resting as needed. We will check your exercise vitals between minutes 15 and 25 and review any symptoms.
During class, we will also discuss the “question of the day,” provide brief education and review your exercise effort using the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and workload assessments.
Recovery
After exercise, return to the chairs at the front of the room for recovery vitals. You will rest for about five minutes. Educational handouts are available under the TV for you to review.
