Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your heart is a muscle that needs regular exercise to stay healthy. If it gets damaged, it needs rehabilitation just like any other muscle.
Fitness is important. If you have heart disease, MaineGeneral's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program gives you exercise classes and education designed to help you return to a healthy and enjoyable life.
Our services help you:
- Reduce risks for coronary artery disease
- Improve your heart and lung fitness
- Help you and your family better understand what you can do, including exercise and changes in diet and lifestyle, to stay healthy and independent
Starting the Program
Once your doctor orders cardiac rehabilitation for you, you will have hour-long classes three times a week for eight to 12 weeks, depending on your needs.
You will also receive a exercise/fitness program and take classes on eating healthier and changing your lifestyle.
Classes are available in Augusta at the Alfond Center for Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway and in Waterville at the Thayer Center for Health, 149 North Street.
Cardiac Rehab Phase II and Phase III outpatient programs are nationally certified through AACVPR (American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is exercise important?
A major part of cardiac rehab is exercise to strengthen your heart muscle and restore your energy and vitality.
Before you begin, you may have a stress test to determine how your heart performs when you exercise. The results will help our staff design an exercise program tailored to your unique needs.
What happens in cardiac rehab?
You will exercise on treadmills, arm ergometers and stationary bikes. While you exercise, nurses will monitor your heart rate and closely watch your progress. They will make changes to your program depending on how you do and send regular progress reports to your doctor.
Who qualifies for cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for most patients who have had a heart attack or heart-related surgery. Patients with congestive heart failure and pacemakers may also qualify.
Your doctor will help you decide if cardiac rehabilitation is the right therapy for you. You must have a doctor's referral to begin the program.
Insurance may cover your cardiac rehabilitation at MaineGeneral. Please call your insurance company if you have questions about your coverage. Tell them you plan to participate in a Phase II outpatient cardiac rehab program.
How do lifestyle changes affect my health?
Exercise can help heal your heart, but making healthy lifestyle choices is just as important. That’s why education is an essential part of your rehab experience.
Health care professionals meet with you to talk about diet, medications, smoking cessation, diabetes and managing your heart disease. You also will learn about the warning signs of heart problems. Family members are encouraged to attend these classes with you.
How do I continue care after rehab?
When you successfully complete your Phase II program of exercise and education, you can choose to participate in a Phase III exercise program.
Our Cardiac Rehab Phase II and Phase III outpatient programs are nationally certified through AACVPR (American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab).
To learn more about Phase III rehab, please call:
- Augusta: (207) 626-1529
- Waterville: (207) 872-1353
