With heart disease being the number one cause of death in the United States, and the reality of pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, it is possible that cardiovascular pulmonary disease will directly affect your life, the life of a family member or friend in the future-if it hasn’t already.

Coosa Valley Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Management Services has been designed to actively assist cardiac and pulmonary patients in achieving and maintaining their optimal state of health. Either as a cardiac or pulmonary patient, a family member, a friend, or as someone recently diagnosed as being at risk, the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Management Services is here for you!

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation is divided into three phases. Depending on specific needs, individuals are assigned to one of these phases. All members of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team actively participate in the patient’s care for optimal rehabilitation.

PHASE I – The Hospital Setting – This phase begins in the hospital when a patient has had a heart attack, heart surgery, or has a cardiac condition which requires close monitoring during exercise. Education is emphasized.

PHASE II – Discharged from the Hospital – This phase focuses on education and progressive exercise. Various aerobic exercise equipment is used, and the duration and intensity of exercise is increased gradually to meet each patient’s needs. Individuals are closely monitored in this phase by the physicians and staff.

PHASE IV – Individual Programs – These phases are personalized for each participant. All activities are regulated according to individual patient needs and capabilities.

Pulmonary Management Services

Pulmonary Services cannot reverse or improve your existing lung disease. It can improve your quality of life, increase your stamina for the activities of daily living, improve your self-confidence and independence, and increase your sense of well being. Studies show that patients who complete pulmonary management services spend (on the average) less than half as many days in the hospital each year compared to non-rehab patients, and pay fewer visits to hospital emergency rooms. Statistics indicate that this trend continues following completion of a pulmonary services program. The programs at Coosa Valley Medical Center consist of exercise conditioning and educational classes. Ask your physician if you are a candidate for Pulmonary Management Services.

Asthma Education Center

The Asthma Education Center is open to teach asthma patients and their families about asthma, its impact and how to manage it. It consists of three sessions with the following specialists; a pharmacist, a respiratory therapist, and a pulmonary nurse.

The Exercise Component

The exercise consists of an individualized exercise prescription which is developed from the results of a cardiopulmonary stress test, medical evaluation and history and your goals. The exercise sessions consists of aerobic sessions consist of aerobic conditioning, stretching, strength-building and toning exercises. Every session is supervised by the cardiac rehab and pulmonary services staff. Participants may have their ECG rhythm monitored by telemetry or their oxygen saturation level monitored while exercising. Blood pressures and heart rates are always taken before, during and after exercise.

The Educational Component

The educational classes are offered whether just before of just after the exercise sessions. Family members are encouraged to attend these sessions. Some of the topics include:

• Pulmonary anatomy and Physiology
• Breathing retaining
• Inspiratory muscle training
• Diet and nutrition
• Understanding medications
• Bronchial hygiene
• Oxygen therapy
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management
• Relaxation training
• Panic control
• Work simplification
• Energy use and care
• Travel tips
• Living with limitations
• Exercising safely and effectively

Getting Referred To The Program

The Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Management Program are open to individuals through physician referrals. Individuals who have had cardiovascular problems such as a heart attack, coronary by-pass surgery, stable angina or other cardiac problems are eligible to participate. Individuals suffering from pulmonary disorders such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma or any pulmonary disease that interferes with the activities of daily life are eligible to participate in the programs as well.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance programs do cover Cardiac Rehab/ Pulmonary Management Services. Medicare will cover these programs for appropriate patients. The Cardiac/Pulmonary staff will help to determine whether or not you have insurance coverage prior to starting a program. Payment plans can be arranged through our Patient Financial Coordinator. If you are interested in the programs, but are concerned about the cost, please call the Cardiac Rehab/Pulmonary Management Services Department at the number below.

Our Rehabilitation Professionals

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Management Services is comprised of medical directors, specializing in cardiac pulmonary medicine, physicians, cardiac pulmonary nurses, registered physical therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists, registered dietitians, counselors, social workers, and other support personnel. The team works with your physician to design an individual program to help you achieve the rehabilitation goals developed at the beginning of the programs.

For More Information:

Ask your physician to contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Management Services for you or you may call 256-401-4030 or fax 256-401-4033.