ECH introduces cardiac rehab

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RN Meredith King receives tech advice from David McNeal of Cardio Science whose company designs cardiac programs. Staff Photo/Alvin Reiner/re 1.0.2

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February 20, 2011

ALVIN REINER Press-Republican The Press Republican Sun Feb 20, 2011, 07:58 AM EST

ELIZABETHTOWN — A heart issue can leave a person feeling fragile and vulnerable.

And exertion can be a scary thing.

"Something as simple as walking to the mailbox can create anxiety," said Meredith King, registered nurse and program manager at the new Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Elizabethtown Community Hospital. "This program teaches people to be confident in their ability to recover and live as normally as possible."

MANY HEART ISSUES

Located in the hospital's clinic/physical therapy building, the program is not only for those who have suffered a heart attack. It's designed for those who have recently experienced bypass surgery, stent placement, valve repair, heart transplant, angina or angioplasty, too.

Generally, cardiac rehabilitation is a treatment program for individuals who need to improve their heart health. It requires a physician's referral.

"People are generally nervous after having heart problems and wonder if they exert themselves will they be OK," said Kristin Dooley, licensed practical nurse and exercise specialist. "We want our patients to be educated. Some who start out haven't exercised much."

She pointed out that each session is similar to any other workout, with a stretching period and then cooling-off at the end.

"We don't want people to leave with a high heart rate, so we take their blood pressure and other vitals at the end."

TEAM APPROACH

In addition to King and Dooley, the program involves two or three Elizabethtown Community Health Center physicians who are on site; Dr. Joel Wolkowicz, a cardiologist who oversees the program; Diana House, RPh; Grant Martin, Pharm.D; and Jo Morris, registered dietician.

According to an ECH press release, it is a team approach, designed to help a patient transition from a significant heart issue to a situation where he or she feels confident performing daily tasks. It also offers information to help patients modify their lifestyle to help to reduce future risk.

Components of a cardiac rehabilitation program are based on an individual treatment plan for each patient. It includes physician-prescribed exercise, individualized education and ongoing assessment of each patient's goals. And the program will be offered through virtual visits, too, through ECH's telemedicine program.

"I'm delighted to be involved in this program," Wolkowicz said. "Technology innovations such as telemedicine require us to think about health care in new ways. Meeting with patients from a distance allows them to remain where they're most comfortable and reduces the need for travel. Being part of this new program and using technology to help patients regain their physical capabilities is very exciting."

RESISTANCE TRAINING

Cardiac rehab consists of three phases. Phase I is in the hospital, right after surgery or a heart event. Phase II begins after release from the hospital and is primarily when the cardiac rehab program takes over. Phase III consists of non-monitored exercise, though the patient should check with medical professionals.

According to ECH, there are several patient benefits associated with the program at the center. The heart is monitored while exercising. There are the educational aspects of diet, medicine, smoking cessation, lifestyle modification and other medical information. And ECH is at a central location for Essex County residents, as the next closest rehab program is 40 miles away.

One aspect that many overlook is resistance training, as often patients are older and need the ability to involve all of their muscles. This includes moving the body in space and utilizing a variety of weights.

CLOSE TO HOME

Another part of the program will be guest speakers with topics that range from medication, nutrition and mental-health issues. In the future, there may be a series of lectures for the general public.

"This is a sophisticated program made specifically for cardio rehab. It allows the providers with the ability to track each patient on each piece of equipment," explained David McNeal of Cardio Systems, who assisted staff with the computer programs.

In an ECH press release, Doctor Rob DeMuro, ECH chief of medical staff, said, "Before the establishment of cardiac rehab at our facility, patients were required to travel significant distances to take part in a rehabilitation program; and often at significant personal expense. Offering a program in our local community provides the opportunity for increased rest and recuperation.

"It's vitally important that our area residents have access to this important service close to home."

Call ECH for additional information at 873-3003.

E-mail Alvin Reiner at:

rondackrambler@yahoo.com