Clinical Services
Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
Philosophy
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and Cayuga County is no exception to these statistics. Here at Auburn Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program, we work with participants recovering from all different types of heart disease.
Many of our participants have had a heart attack which is actual damage to the heart muscle caused by interruption of arterial blood flow to the heart muscle. Most people have classic symptoms of a heart attack such as chest discomfort similar to a “fullness” in the chest which may or may not radiate to the neck and/or jaw and/or radiate to one or both arms. Some people, particularly women and people with diabetes, may have more subtle symptoms including increased fatigue or no symptoms at all.
Services
- Medical & Cardiac supervision
- ECG monitoring
- Supervised exercise & nutritional counseling
- Comprehensive patient education
- Smoking cessation programs
- Psychological assistance to address depression, anxiety, stress
- Assistance in controlling weight, cholesterol and high blood pressure
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center provides a team approach to exercise, nutritional counseling and stress management to promote recovery from a variety of cardiac ailments or aid in preventing heart attacks.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center uses state-of-the-art Quinton Q-tel cardiac monitoring equipment as well as expert personal supervision to ensure the safest possible environment while on the road to recovery.
The Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab program is 36 telemetry-monitored visits over a 12 week period geared toward reducing a participant’s risk for future cardiovascular disease and improving the quality of their life.
Patients will have the best possible outcome by working on reducing their Cardiovascular Risk and developing an individualized exercise program. The exercise program consists of stretching exercises, aerobic exercise and resistance training geared to train the cardiovascular and skeletal muscles and also improve flexibility. The program targets people who have had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty and stent, stable angina, heart valve repair or replacement and heart transplant.
Cardiac Rehab offers an ongoing, self pay, Phase 3 Maintenance program where participants can continue exercising two days/week as an extension of Phase 2. A cardiovascular risk factor primary prevention program geared to participants with a history of smoking, elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and uncontrolled stress in an attempt to help people manage these issues through exercise, nutrition and educational programming.
To know if you’re a candidate, ask your physician if supervised cardiac rehabilitation is right for you. A physician’s referral is required to participate in the program.
Education & Counseling
A rehabilitation program includes a variety of exercises to improve your cardiac conditioning as well as personal guidance and support in beneficial lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
Exercises are monitored and supervised by our trained staff. Treadmills, stationary bikes, recumbent steppers, rowing machines, weights and wall pulleys are used for a balanced exercise program. A balanced exercise program consists of flexibility and aerobic and resistance training exercises.
Lifestyle changes are encouraged and include smoking cessation, embracing a heart healthy diet, and stress management as ways of improving overall health.
A patient’s personal physician will receive periodic written updates and will be consulted regarding any changes in your physical condition. Physicians and staff members at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center are available to confer with a patient’s physician as often as needed.
Stress management
Stress is a part of everyday life. How you deal with stressful situations makes a difference as to whether it becomes a threat to your health and well-being. When you are unable to deal with stress, it can affect your blood pressure and your heart. Through the cardiac rehabilitation program, we discuss methods to manage stress and decrease the negative effects on your health. We teach relaxation techniques geared towards reducing stress levels and maintaining a healthier outlook on dealing with stressful situations.
Why is diet management so important?
Following a Heart Healthy Diet is key to achieving a lifestyle of heart health. You will learn about weight management and the essentials of low fat, low sodium eating. This can play a role in reducing total cholesterol as well as LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. A Heart Healthy diet contributes to lowering blood pressure as well as improving blood sugar control for diabetics. Individual nutrition counseling along with heart healthy recipes will provide the tools for mastering heart healthy eating.
Staff
Dr. Rama Godashala, FACC – Medical Director
David Lee, MSED, RCEP – Program Director
Donna Carter, RN, BSN – Registered Nurse
Hannah Richter, RD, CDN – Registered Dietitian
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