Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you have a heart condition, underwent a heart procedure, or had a heart attack, chances are your doctor will recommend cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program designed to improve the physical and emotional condition of individuals with a heart condition. The goal is to strengthen your heart and increase your activity level.

Components of our cardiac rehab program in Burlington, Vermont include:

• Exercise
• Behavior change
• Heart health education

American Heart Association Award

The University of Vermont Medical Center has proudly received the American Heart Association’s Gold Get With The Guidelines –

Resuscitation Quality Achievement Award for our commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping improve patient survival rates.  

The Get With The Guidelines program was developed to help save lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by consistently following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at the UVM Medical Center: Am I a Candidate?

Candidates for cardiac rehabilitation include all individuals who have had a heart problem including:

• Heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Chest pain (angina)
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Angioplasty and stents
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve replacements

Your doctor may prescribe cardiac rehabilitation to control symptoms, increase exercise tolerance and improve the overall quality of life for patients.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Phases of Rehab

Your cardiac rehabilitation happens in phases:

1. Phase I takes place in the hospital.
2. Phase II is when you continue your cardiac rehab on an outpatient basis after your discharge. This period lasts three to six months.
3. Phase III is long-term exercise maintenance programs, if you want to continue your care.

At the UVM Medical Center, a specialized team will oversee your cardiac rehabilitation. Your team includes:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Physical therapists
• Exercise physiologist

Learn more about cardiac rehabilitation, including answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, cost and what to expect.

Cardiac Rehabilitation - Getting Started

We invite you to come and visit us at our cardiac rehabilitation facility in South Burlington. If you were recently in the hospital, you are welcome to come to our group visit, which takes place every Tuesday at 11:30am. At this time, our nurse clinician will explain what cardiac rehab is all about. If you prefer, we can arrange a one-on-one visit for a different day or time.

Heart Attack Risk

In general, the risk of a heart attack during cardiac rehabilitation is small. We greatly reduce the risk by monitoring you continuously during the program.

In fact, you are at greater risk for a heart attack if you do not do cardiac rehabilitation, as the program helps strengthen your heart muscle. While the outcome of the cardiac rehabilitation program depends on a number of factors, almost all patients who complete the program will increase their level of physical activity and be able to return to the workforce and/or other daily activities.

Heart Health: Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease

Along with our cardiac rehabilitation program, we also offer "Move to Lose" Weight Loss Program, a medically-managed weight loss program that combines a 16-week support group with a physical activity program.

Cardiac Rehab Program: Certification and Awards

• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Our cardiac rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). AACVPR is the premier national organization, whose mission to reduce morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research, and aggressive disease management. Our certification assures means that our program that meets or exceeds national care standards.
• Quality and Innovation - Our program at the UVM Medical Center is also nationally and internationally recognized for its quality and innovation. We recently received the 2010 American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Innovation Award. This award recognizes programs that use outstanding creativity in patient care and program design to maintain excellence and expand services today and in the future.

Just as important to us is what you, our patients, think. Read testimonials from patients who have gone through our cardiac rehab program.

Patient Resources

At the UVM Medical Center, we are committed to patient education. We know you want to be informed about your heart condition. We have compiled a list of trustworthy and informative online health resources for you to peruse at your convenience.

• American Heart Association - A website devoted to information about heart disease.
• Cardiac College - More in depth information about cardiac rehabilitation and heart disease from the well-known University of Toronto cardiac rehabilitation program
• Eating Well: For a Healthy Heart - A handbook and cookbook for recently diagnosed cardiac patients written by the Director of the UVMMC Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Dr. Philip Ades. Nominated for a James Beard Award in the “Healthy Eating Division”.  Available at the cardiac rehab program, at local bookstores or on Amazon. Includes 150 Delicious Recipes for Joyful, Heart-Smart eating.

Refer a Patient

We are committed to working with you to help your patients. Get instructions on how to refer a patient to one of our specialists. To reach our providers directly, call Provider Access Service at 800-639-2480.