Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Appointments & Information

Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), PVHMC’s Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program is recognized as a leader in the field and offering the most advanced practices available.

Studies of heart attack survivors have shown that participation in a cardiovascular rehab program can reduce the chances of having a second heart attack within the next year by 17 percent- and by two years after the heart attack, decrease the mortality rate by nearly 50 percent. PVHMC is dedicated not only to improving the quality of life and overall survival of those with coronary diseases, but also to the prevention of heart disease through proactive management of conditions that can lead to cardiac illness.

Inpatient Cardiovascular Rehab at PVHMC

Cardiovascular rehabilitation begins while the patient is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack, bypass surgery or other cardiac event. Patients report improvements in their strength, endurance, and independence as physical therapists progress sitting, walking, and basic arm and leg exercises. This progressive course of activity provides our patients the confidence necessary to achieve success in their Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Home Exercise Program and allows for comfortable transition to outpatient rehabilitation in the Charles M. Magistro Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center. For more information about inpatient cardiac recovery and rehabilitation visit Stead Heart & Vascular Center.

Outpatient Cardiovascular Rehab at PVHMC

Upon discharge from the hospital following a cardiac event, the American Heart Association recommends patients begin a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program. Prescribe by their physician and provided in a safe environment, the goal is to improve quality of life by way of exercise, medication management, risk reduction and training to self-manage daily living consistent with the disease process.

Team of Experts

For those with coronary artery disease, prescribing a lifestyle change that involves regular exercise can be a vital part of treatment. Our Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS) certified staff of clinical exercise physiologists, registered nurses, and physical therapists provide an initial evaluation and work with the physician to design an individually tailored exercise plan that promotes increased cardiovascular fitness according to AACVPR guidelines.

Jayapal A. Reddy, MD, Medical Director

"As the Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program, it is my pleasure to work with one of the most progressive cardiac rehabilitation and health exercise programs in California. The goal of our program is to encourage and assist all people, cardiac patients and healthy individuals alike, to adopt a heart healthy lifestyle, which will aid in increasing quality of life and longevity. With the medical industry turning its focus toward preventions, we embrace the opportunity to serve our community in every aspect of wellness. We look forward to being a part of your personal wellness."

Supervised Programs Cardiac Excercise

After a medical evaluation to determine needs and limitations, our team will tailor a customized exercise plan. Constantly monitored for a change in symptoms, patients start with a safe exercise program and slowly move into a more intensive regimen that allows longer and harder workouts.

Exercise sessions are provided in our medically supervised cardiovascular gym equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes, weight machines, and resistance machines.

The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program

Benefits:

Promotes cardiovascular efficiency
Speeds recovery
Improves physical functioning and strength
Helps prevent prolonged disability
Reduces re-admissions to the hospital

For those who have experienced:

Acute myocardial infarction (MI)
Coronary bypass surgery
Coronary stenting
Heart failure
Heart transplant
Heart valve repair or replacement
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
Stable angina pectoris

Program includes:

12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and continuous telemetry monitoring
Blood pressure checks
Fasting lipid panel, blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c
Bioelectrical impedance analysis for body fat composition
6-minute walk test
Up to 36 sessions of supervised exercise, 2-3 days per week
“Heart Smart” risk reduction classes
“Heart to Heart” support group
Individual counseling sessions
Medical nutrition therapy
Smoking cessation referrals upon request

Cost – Covered under most insurance
Location – The Charles M. Magistro Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center
Required – A physician’s prescription
Getting Started – Register through PVHMC Rehabilitation Services by calling 909.865.9810

Click on our video, Cardiac Rehab: The Key to a Heart Healthy Future, to learn more about the program, hear from participants, and see it in action.

For more information about Cardiac Rehab at PVHMC, please download our Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation brochure.

NEW “PAD Rehab” (SET) Program

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic circulatory condition that affects approximately 18 million US citizens, causing leg pain, aching, and cramping when walking. With PAD, plaque build-up in the arteries reduces blood flow the to muscles in the legs. This causes discomfort when walking, a symptom called “claudication.” Leg pain typically worsens the longer you walk and gradually goes away when you rest.

Research has shown patients participating in SET were able to improve walking tolerance and distance more than those completing a non-supervised home exercise program, or just walking on their own.

SET programs are supported by the American Heart Association as a first line, noninvasive, low risk therapy for PAD—and the good news is they are covered by Medicare!

“PAD Rehab” at PVHMC is an outpatient program provided by Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Rehabilitation Services Department.

Benefits:

Reduces PAD symptoms and leg pain
Prevents further progression of the disease
Increases walking tolerance and distance
Improves muscle strength
Reduces risk of heart attack or stroke
Weight loss

Program includes:

Supervised exercise therapy (SET) with guided instruction
Exercise plan, alternating activity and rest periods
Treadmill walking
Resistance training
Risk factor education
Up to 36 sessions, 3-5 days per week for 12 weeks

Outpatient EECP Program

Benefits:

Reduction of angina pain
Decreased need for medication
Increased level of exercise tolerance
Return to everyday and leisure activities
Improved quality of life

Available for those who experience:

Pain associated with angina pectoris despite prior treatment

Program includes:

Noninvasive procedure carrying little or no risk performed in the Stead Heart& Vascular Center
External cuffs on legs and buttocks expand and deflate to increase blood and oxygen returning to the heart
35 one-hour sessions
Typically performed 5 days per week for 7 weeks

For more information about the Outpatient EECP Program visit the Stead Heart & Vascular Center.

PVHMC's Cardiovascular - Pulmonary Wellness Program

What do you do after formal rehab ends?

Our “Exercise for Life” Program allows participants to extend the benefits of their rehab program independently, but still exercise in a medically supervised environment. Structured to assist those in need of managing heart, vascular, lung, and other chronic conditions, this program includes:

Cardiac Risk Stratification Assessment
Ongoing monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate and other disease related risk factors
Education and personal counseling on risk reduction
Individualized exercise program designed by medically trained exercise physiologists and physical therapists
Orthopedic screening and consultation if needed
Supervision by our cardiovascular rehabilitation staff
Exercise sessions in the Stead Wellness Center

Cost Options: $30–4 sessions | $300–6 months

$60–8 sessions | $600–12 months

A physician signed enrollment form is required. Click here to download the form.

Heart to Heart Cardiovascular Support Group

Cardiovascular disease impacts all aspects of one’s life. Living with the disease is a group effort, comprised of the patient, loved ones, and healthcare professionals. Our "Heart to Heart" Cardiovascular Support Group is designed for persons with heart disease, their caregivers and family members. The mission of the group is to provide hope, encouragement and knowledge to build a heart healthy lifestyle. Together, through shared experiences, discussion, and education this can be achieved. "Heart to Heart" is open to the community and meets the last Tuesday of each month from 12:00-1:00 pm in Rehabilitation Services on the first floor of the Robert and Beverly Lewis Outpatient Pavilion. For questions regarding Heart to Heart" please contact PVHMC’s Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program at 909.865.9810.

For more information about Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center's Rehabilitation Services, please call 909.865.9810. For maps to all of our rehabilitation facilities click here.

Leading The Way In Rehabilitative Healthcare Since 1954