Overview
Start moving now
Getting your strength back after a major heart event takes time. Cardiac rehabilitation not only helps you get stronger faster; it gives you the tools to make the kind of changes to reduce your chances of a future heart event and enjoy a longer, healthier life.
What is cardiac rehab?
Cardiac rehabilitation (or cardiac rehab for short) is a medically- supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health through exercise, training, education and risk modification. Most patients participate on an outpatient basis, usually three times a week for up to 12 weeks.
Statistics show that patients who participate in cardiac rehab can reduce their risk of future heart events, future hospitalizations and death while increasing their stamina and capacity for resumption of normal activities.
Who can benefit from cardiac rehab?
Most patients will be referred to Cardiac Rehab if they have experienced any of these heart-related events:
Stable angina (exercise-induced chest pain)
Coronary artery angioplasty or stents
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement
Heart failure or implantation of a ventricular-assist device (VAD)
Why UW Health
UW Health is one of the leading pioneers in the development of cardiac rehab programs. The late Dr. Bruno Balke, who was a professor of kinesiology and physiology at UW–Madison, was among the first to discover that incorporation of physical activity into the recovery process is far more beneficial than bed rest, which had been the recommended practice until the late 1960s.
Insurance
Many insurance plans cover cardiac rehab for heart failure. We can review your insurance with you. For questions about insurance coverage, call (608) 263-7420.
What to expect
On-site coaching to kick-start your recovery
During the early days and weeks of recovery, it can be hard to know when to resume normal physical activities and whether you are doing too much or not enough.
Cardiac rehab provides a safe environment with just the right amount of on-site coaching during the early stages of recovery so you can comfortably and confidently achieve complete independence. You’ll also have the chance to meet and talk with other patients also going through recovery.
Patient story
Delonda's journey
Meet our team
Experts there for you
You'll be coached by experts in all facets of improving your health:
Exercise physiologists to help you get moving
Dieticians to help you eat healthier
A health psychologist to help you cope with emotional changes
Locations