Heart Health

Cardiac Rehab

The cardiac rehabilitation program at Baptist Health helps patients recover from heart surgery or cardiac difficulties through exercise therapy and cardiac education. 

Upon entering cardiac rehabilitation, patients undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of registered nurses and exercise specialists. These experts will then develop an individualized plan of care to address the patient’s needs and goals for the cardiac rehabilitation program, which for most patients will last two to three months. Divided into three phases the program is centered around education, exercise and creating a heart healthy lifestyle. 

Throughout rehab, the patient’s physician will receive monthly progress reports, as well as an end-of-program report. If any problems or significant findings arise during rehab, the patient’s physician will be contacted. A physician referral is required and our staff is happy to assist in the referral process.

Baptist Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Phases

Phase I: Education

Phase I provides education about a variety of cardiac related issues, including:

  • Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
  • Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack/Angina
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Post-Bypass Discharge Information
  • Home Exercise Prescription
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Stress-Coping Strategies
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Risk Factor Control/Management

Phase II: Exercise Program

Phase II is designed as an outpatient program for people who need a monitored, physician-supervised exercise program. Each session is tailored to the patient’s ability, and is designed to help strengthen the cardiovascular system. All workouts are conducted while patients are hooked to a heart monitor that shows an electrical tracing of the heart on a computer. This image is monitored by staff continuously during exercise sessions. Blood pressure is also monitored.  The staff is trained to help patients begin and maintain a medically-safe and effective exercise regimen and are equipped to deal with any emergencies that may arise. 

Education and cardiac health tips are also a major part of phase II.

The following classes are offered:

  • Managing Risk Factors for Heart Disease
  • Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diets
  • Benefits of Exercise
  • Understanding Cholesterol Levels
  • Stress Reduction
  • Anatomy and Procedures
  • Cardiac Medications
  • Heart Attack Signals and Actions

The majority of the cost for phase II cardiac rehab programs are reimbursed by Medicare, then a supplemental policy generally completes the reimbursement

Phase III: Healthy Hearts Program

Phase III is designed as an outpatient program for people who need a clinically-supervised exercise program. During the final phase of cardiac rehab, patients are educated on how to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure, while also progressing their exercise regimen. Education and cardiac health tips also play a major part in the Healthy Hearts program. 

The following classes are offered: 

  • Managing Risk Factors for Heart Disease 
  • Low-Fat/Low-Cholesterol Diets 
  • Benefits of Exercise 
  • Understanding Cholesterol Levels 
  • Stress Reduction 
  • Anatomy and Procedures 
  • Cardiac Medications 
  • Heart Attack Signals and Actions

 

Phase III typically follows phase II, but some patients might enter phase III right after completing phase I, skipping phase II altogether. Phase III cardiac rehab programs are not reimbursed by Medicare or insurance companies. Healthy Hearts participants pay per month for membership fees.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Locations

Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock  

501-202-1765

Exercise days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6:30pm

New patient admissions, inpatient education: Tuesday, Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Offer Phases I, II,  III

Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock

501-202-3704

Exercise days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

New patient admissions, inpatient education: Tuesday, Friday, 7:30am-4pm

Offer Phases I, II, III

Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway

501-585-2398

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am-5pm

Offer Phases I and II

Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs

501-887-3276

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6:30am-3pm

Offer Phases I and II

Baptist Health-Fort Smith

479-441-5085

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:00am-5pm

Offer Phase I and II

For a comprehensive overview of Baptist Health Rehabilitation’s award-winning care, download the annual report.

Patient Success Stories