Jonathan Smith, M.D., Medical Director of the Vascular Rehabilitation Program at Valley’s Center for Cardiac and Vascular Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a specially designed program that can help improve your cardiac fitness and may reduce your chances of having more heart problems. The program offers a combination of exercise, education and lifestyle modification to help you achieve an active, healthy lifestyle.

Who Is a Candidate for Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to aid the recovery of anyone who has experienced heart problems, such as a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery or angina. You need your doctor’s approval to get started in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Talk to your doctor to find out if it’s right for you.

About Valley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

The Valley Hospital offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation Services through its Center for Cardiac and Vascular Rehabilitation. Services include medically supervised exercise, education and counseling sessions specifically tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs.

The program combines modern equipment and techniques with individual counseling and instruction by healthcare professionals. Our exercise physiologists, physical therapists, nurses and registered dietitians provide a supervised exercise plan, educational programs, cardiac risk factor evaluation and modification and nutritional counseling. Valley offers a three-phase Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. The program begins soon after admission to the hospital for patients who have had a heart attack or other cardiac problem.

The second phase is an outpatient monitored cardiac rehabilitation program that begins after discharge from the hospital. Patients are prescribed individual exercise programs under supervision. Patients also receive heart health education, counseling and nutritional guidance.

After completing the monitored rehabilitation program, patients may opt to enroll in our ongoing cardiac fitness maintenance programs.

About Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Team

Valley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Services staff is led by cardiologist Michael Kesselbrenner, M.D. It consists of a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts, including registered nurses, exercise physiologists, a registered dietitian, a licensed social worker, physical therapists and a pastoral care specialist.

This professional team works together to return patients to their optimal level of fitness and functioning.

Getting Started

You must receive a referral and an initial medical evaluation from your physician to enroll in Valley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Monitored cardiac rehabilitation is covered by most insurance plans. Please check with your insurance provider for specific information about your coverage.

General Information

The Valley Hospital offers free, convenient parking. Locker and shower facilities are provided to all patients enrolled in our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

For More Information

For more information about Valley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Services, please call 201-447-8227.