Little Company of Mary’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a series of three phases designed to help the patient who has been diagnosed with heart disease or is recovering from heart surgery to lead a more healthy and fulfilling life.  

Phase I

Phase I is our inpatient program that begins while the patient is still in the hospital. This phase teaches the patient how to modify certain behaviors that adversely affect heart function, beginning with education while in the hospital. Behaviors that we work to modify include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, stressful personality disorders, hypertension, obesity, high-fat eating habits, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption and diabetes.

Phase II

The goal of Phase II is to achieve cardiac conditioning through an individually designed, monitored exercise program conducted on an outpatient basis. For approximately one hour, three times a week for 12 weeks, patients utilize a variety of equipment, including treadmills, stationary bicycles, steps and various arm exercises, to achieve a well-balanced workout. Ongoing classes are also available to continue the behavior modification started in Phase I. Topics include coronary artery disease and risk factor reduction, stress management, the benefits of exercise and the heart-healthy diet.

In addition, a support group is open to both patients and their partners. Directed by a licensed therapist, this group meets every other week to discuss life stressors and provide emotional support for participants.

Phase III

Phase III is our maintenance program, which is a low-cost, unmonitored exercise program initiated following successful completion of Phase II. Conducted under the supervision and guidance of Cardiac Rehabilitation nurses, the goal of this phase is maintaining cardiac conditioning and positive lifestyle changes.  

Taking It to Heart

Successful completion of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program requires an ongoing physical and emotional commitment, support of family and friends, and guidance and instruction provided by our specially-trained, experienced staff.