After a heart attack or surgery many cardiac patients need a planned and monitored program to return to an active lifestyle. The cardiac rehabilitation program at Riverside begins while patients are in the hospital and continues for several weeks after discharge. In addition to a structured exercise program, the cardiac rehabilitation team offers guidelines for healthy living, cardiac risk factor reduction and heart healthy eating.

Phase I
The Phase I program at Riverside Regional Medical Center provides personal evaluation and consultation to patients who have experienced a heart attack or undergone cardiac surgery. The consultation begins in the hospital and includes exercise and education about risk factors including diet and stress management.

Phase II
The program continues on an outpatient basis after patients are discharged from the hospital. This phase II program consists of monitored exercise programs in a group sessions and continues the risk factor and education program started in the hospital. These program typically last from six to twelve weeks and help return many patients to a regular routine

Phase III
To continue their progress in adjusting their lifestyles after a cardiac event many patients choose to continue their exercise program in a non-medical setting. Riverside offers a phase III rehabilitation program at the Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center.