CHI - Mercy Hospital Valley City

Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager Zona Wagar has worked with congestive heart failure patient Arlene Rasmussen in cardiac rehab for more than a year. Arlene visits CHI Mercy Health three times a week for heart-focused exercise, which she loves. A heart attack or heart surgery can drain your strength and energy. Cardiac rehabilitation helps you get back to your life while teaching how to prioritize heart health. "Cardiac rehabilitation is physical therapy for the heart," says Zona Wagar, RN, BSN, Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager at CHI Mercy Health. "It's a program of monitored exercise that helps patients rebuild their strength and endurance. We help patients reduce their risk of a future cardiac event not just with physical activity, but also by addressing the factors that contributed to their heart condition, such as stress, excess weight, or an unhealthy diet." Cardiac rehabilitation takes place in three steps: Phase 1 occurs in the hospital following angioplasty or surgery, when nurses ensure patients are healthy enough to go home. Phase 2 begins when patients return to the hospital for an outpatient evaluation with a registered nurse, who explains cardiac rehabilitation and designs a personalized program for each individual. Patients visit CHI Mercy Health two to three times a week for 30 minutes of guided, monitored exercise using a variety of equipment, including treadmills, free weights, recumbent, and the NuStep cross trainer machine that works the arms and legs simultaneously. Nurses educate patients about coronary artery disease, cholesterol management, a heart-healthy and low-sodium diet, and other heart health topics. Patients complete 12 to 36 sessions, depending on their risk level. Phase 3 is an independent, self-pay service. Exercise takes place under nurse supervision, as in phase 2. "Cardiac rehabilitation allows patients to be more engaged in all aspects of life," Zona says. "It improves the heart's future." Visit www.mercyhospitalvalleycity.org/our-providers to nd a family medicine physician who can help you navigate the cardiac recovery process and prevent further heart trouble. The Road to Recovery Runs Through Cardiac Rehabilitation Two Treatments in One Risk for depression increases after a heart attack or heart surgery, as patients wonder what's next and how to make the heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce the chance of additional cardiac events. Through both exercise and education, cardiac rehabilitation removes the uncertainty patients may feel by presenting a clear way forward when it comes to prevention. It also helps individuals form social connections, which are key to staving off depression. "It's amazing to watch our patients build relationships," says Zona Wagar, RN, BSN, Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager at CHI Mercy Health. "For them, cardiac rehabilitation becomes a kind of social event where they find a network of support." 2 CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES /// www.mercyhospitalvalleycity.org

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