Frankfort Regional Medical Center

5 Heart Health in Motion For those who have suffered complications of the heart, maintaining a regular exercise regimen is a critical step to successful recovery. But patients must proceed with caution to avoid pushing the heart too hard, too soon. The Phase II Cardiac Rehab Program at Frankfort Regional Medical Center focuses on getting people moving again following a major coronary event such as a heart attack or surgery. Administered by nurses, registered dietitians and pharmacists working under the guidance of referring physicians, the plan is rooted in exercise sessions monitored by Frankfort Regional professionals. Three times each week is often a good place to start, but as each patient builds his or her stamina and strength, the schedule may include up to five sessions per week (three sessions at the hospital and two at home). The program also provides educational and counseling sessions to help reduce the risk of future events. Topics covered may include cholesterol reduction, nutrition, smoking cessation, stress management and weight loss. "A lot of times, doctors will recommend someone come, and the patient won't want to leave once he or she gets here," says Patricia Slone, RN, Clinical Care Coordinator at Frankfort Regional. "It's amazing how much stronger these patients get, and they are relieved to learn that they are not alone in their experience." Â For more information about our Phase II Cardiac Rehab Program, call 502-226-7526. 31 minutes is the average door-to- balloon time for patients who require emergent PCI. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines recommend a door-to-balloon interval of no more than 90 minutes. percent 53 of patients in need of emergency PCI have arrived by ambulance. 100+ patients have received a PCI during the program's first 12 months. The PCI Program in Numbers Since launching the Interventional Cardiology Program in September 2013, professionals at Frankfort Regional Medical Center have seen a number of successes with the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. "The PCI program has already exceeded our expectations," says Alice Wickman, Director of Frankfort Regional's Intensive Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Services. "In every case, we have been able to preserve heart function, whether a patient is experiencing an active heart attack or living with chronic shortness of breath." Among the key numbers recorded for the program so far: When to Treat While PCI has proven effective for many patients who are experiencing a heart attack and have an emergent need, there is also great value to performing the procedure on an elective basis before a heart attack ever has the chance to occur. If you are experiencing chest pain as a result of coronary artery disease, the procedure can greatly reduce discomfort by improving blood flow to the heart. For patients experiencing a heart attack, having a PCI within the first 90 minutes, as called for by current guidelines, can minimize damage to the heart. "In these situations, time is muscle. The minute that someone crosses the door into our facility, the clock starts ticking," says Lee Higginbotham, Chief Operating Officer at Frankfort Regional. "In these emergency situations, we are able to access the heart and clear blockages quickly. But it is always best to get ahead of a situation with preventive procedures." There When You Need Us With the Interventional Cardiology Program in place, Frankfort Regional professionals are able to provide leading-edge care when and where it is needed the most. "It's best when you don't need our services," Higginbotham says. "But when you do experience a heart attack or other complications, it's comforting to know help is right down the street. Frankfort Regional is ready to provide the high-quality care you need." Â To schedule an appointment with a Frankfort Regional interventional cardiologist, call Consult-A-Nurse at 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). Marty Denny, MD, interventional cardiologist, consults with a patient.

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