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Cardiac Rehabilitation for Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Posted on April 10th, 2019

Congestive heart failure is a condition that gets worse over time and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, swelling in the lower extremities, weight gain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and chest pain. 

As with many heart conditions, lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise can help manage the disease and may slow its progression over time. The Intensive Cardiac Rehab program at Oklahoma Heart Hospital is a comprehensive education and exercise program now available to eligible patients with congestive heart failure. 

To be eligible to participate, patients must meet the following criteria: 

  • Diagnosed with congestive heart failure
  • Ejection fraction must be less than or equal to 35%
  • Must have NYHA II-IV symptoms
  • Must be on heart failure therapy medications for at least six weeks prior to starting the program

The Intensive Cardiac Rehab program consists of 72 total sessions that cover both exercise and education components to help patients make healthy lifestyle changes. The educational piece of the program includes nutritional workshops, stress management workshops, and educational videos about specific risk factors. 

For the exercise piece of the program, each patient receives a personalized exercise plan designed with their needs and ability in mind and focused on improving stamina and strength. While completing exercise sessions at Oklahoma Heart Hospital, patients will be monitored to see how their heart responds to exercise. The program is a great way for congestive heart failure patients to increase their physical activity while in a safe, monitored environment with a support team ready to help when needed.

The team consists of a full-time dietician, registered nurses, exercises specialists and physiologists, and a physician medical director. The team will regularly communicate with your physician about your progress during the program. This collaborative approach to patient wellness has been life changing for many patients at Oklahoma Heart Hospital. 

If you have congestive heart failure, contact the Oklahoma Heart Hospital today to learn more about our Intensive Cardiac Rehab program.