Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab Program is certified for your peace of mind

When you experience a heart attack or other cardiac event, you know that getting better involves more than surgery.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, in Joliet, offers patients peace of mind knowing that everything is being done to make them the healthiest they can be.

The program primarily focuses on assisting patients who’ve had a recent cardiac event like bypass surgery or a heart attack or maybe a stent procedure, said Margaret Downey, who has headed the hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab center for 18 years.

“Our goal is to prevent a secondary event, so we focus on helping build their physical strength and endurance by coming to exercise three times a week,” said Downey. “We also focus on helping them learn and practice healthy lifestyle habits that will reduce their risk for another cardiac event.”

The program emphasizes education like quitting smoking and choosing a healthier diet, managing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.

Additionally, in the early weeks after an event, “We monitor and assess them in each exercise session so we can pick up on anything that might be an issue and contact their doctor,” said Downey. “We’re here to treat the whole person - their physical, mental and spiritual well being while they’re on their road to recovery.”

The program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, currently the only organization that can accredit a program, said Downey.

“They also are the leading organization that sets the standards and guidelines for the care and treatment of cardiac and pulmonary patients,” she said. “For the patient and their families it gives them the confidence that they’re being cared for by staff who have all the experience, skills and competency to provide the best and most effective care.”

For more information contact 815.740.1900 or visit www.presencehealth.org/stjoseph-joliet.

Click here for additional articles sponsored by this business