Phase II - Outpatient rehabilitation

The outpatient rehabilitation program provides education and individual exercise instruction to increase function and prevention knowledge. Staffed by physical therapists and cardiac nurses, patients are seen in monitored group exercise sessions two to three times per week for four to eight weeks. Modified programs are available for patients who, due to age, physical endurance or diagnosis, may not require the complete four-to-eight-week program.

The educational component of outpatient rehabilitation includes how to modify risk factors and identify cardiac symptoms, heart anatomy and physiology, and how to improve diet, manage medications, select activities, learn self-assessment skills and reduce stress. Patients also receive information on Park Nicollet’s regular “Heart and Vascular Lecture Series”

The exercise program includes progressive conditioning, such as calisthenics, aerobic training and instruction in lower-extremity stretching. Therapists then measure patients’ heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram at rest and with exertion. Equipment used in outpatient rehabilitation includes treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, recumbent stair steppers and chair aerobics.

Find out more

• Phase I - Inpatient rehabilitation
• Phase III
• Information sheet