Cardiac rehab in San Diego

If you have suffered a heart attack or have been hospitalized for another cardiac condition, cardiac rehabilitation is a key component of your recovery. Not only can cardiac rehab at a skilled nursing facility help you through the recovery process, it can also help prevent another heart problem in the future.

Cardiac rehab programs

At Bella Vista Health Center, our cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to help you meet your recovery goals so you can get back to independent living as quickly as possible. Cardiac rehabilitation involves medically supervised physical exercises to improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your heart and body, and relieve symptoms of heart problems, including chest pain. Exercises can include walking, jogging, or using a treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine. 

Cardiac rehab programs also include education about healthy living, and counseling to help you relieve stress and improve your mental health. The team of medical professionals helping you through the process will include doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, and mental health specialists.

Candidates for cardiac rehab

Heart conditions can affect people of all ages, and anyone with a heart problem can benefit from cardiac rehab, whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe. Candidates for cardiac rehab include patients who have experienced:

  • Heart attack

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Coronary angioplasty or stenting

  • Coronary artery bypass 

  • Heart valve repair or replacement

  • Current stable angina

  • Heart transplant

  • Ventricular assist device procedure

  • Peripheral arterial disease

 Benefits of cardiac rehab

The primary benefit of cardiac rehab is reducing the risk of a future heart attack or other heart-related event, but there are several other immediate benefits, including:

  • Decreased frequency and severity of chest pain

  • Decreased dependence on medications 

  • Development of healthier habits

  • Increased capacity for exercise 

  • Improved blood pressure

  • Increased energy and strength for daily activities

  • Reduced stress

  • Improved mood 

  • Higher quality of life

Cardiac rehab at a skilled nursing facility

While hospitals are designed to provide acute care following heart surgery, skilled nursing facilities are designed to provide extended resources for recovery and rehabilitation. Cardiac rehab at a skilled nursing facility provides continued medical supervision alongside customized therapy programs that are based on each patient’s condition and recovery goals. Rehabilitation programs are focused on helping patients regain independence, while offering the education and tools necessary for living a healthier life at home.

Bella Vista Health Center offers cardiac rehabilitation at our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego, with customized programs and a range of amenities for short and long-term residents. For more information or to schedule a tour, give us a call at (619) 399-7920.