Inpatient cardiac rehabilitation, available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga and CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson, begins while the patient is still in the hospital and provides a customized program of non-strenuous activities and education. A cardiac rehabilitation nurse or exercise physiologist assesses each patient's risk factors, educational needs and activity level.
Rehabilitation Services
Cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) rehabilitation is a medically supervised program to help patients with heart disease, pulmonary disease or peripheral vascular disease regain strength, prevent their condition from worsening and reduce the risk of recurrence. Heart or cardiac rehabilitation programs have proven to significantly increase chances of survival.
CHI Memorial's cardiac rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of CHI Memorial’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Rehabilitation programs
Phase II is an EKG monitored exercise and educational program for individuals with cardiovascular disease designed to continue their rehabilitation after hospital discharge. Patients with cardiovascular disease who can benefit from this program include those with stable angina, recent bypass surgery, a heart attack, angioplasty,congestive heart failure, PTCA with stent, valve repair or replacement, or heart transplant. In addition, patients with peripheral artery disease with the diagnosis of ‘intermittent claudication’ are eligible for 36 sessions of monitored exercise. A multidisciplinary team including exercise physiologists, nurses and nutritionists, works with each individual to design a customized exercise program and a behavior modification plan to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
During this phase, patients with lung issues (COPD and Restrictive Lung disease) meet in an outpatient class setting to gradually increase their activity level under the close supervision of registered nurses and exercise physiologists and a respiratory therapist. Supervision includes oxygen saturation and blood pressure monitoring. Patients learn more about diet, coping with their condition and other concerns. Phase II pulmonary rehabilitation services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Patients must be referred by a physician.
During this phase, patients with intermittent claudication due to their blood flow problems to their legs, meet in an outpatient class setting to gradually increase their activity level under the close supervision of registered nurses and exercise physiologists. Supervision includes EKG monitoring and blood pressure monitoring. Patients learn more about diet, coping with their condition and other concerns. Phase II services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Patients must be referred by a physician.
Participants at this level may continue the program they began in phase II or they may enter the program directly with a physician referral. The goal is to reduce cardiovascular or pulmonary risk factors to lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nurses and exercise physiologists help the participant develop an individualized program. Phase III services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.
Patients who require lung surgery can increase their tolerance for exercise and the activities of daily living, improve muscle strength and flexibility, before and after surgery. The program includes 8 sessions of exercise supervision and education. The Healthy Lung Program is available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.
CHI Memorial Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologists offer exercise prescription and instruction. Research supports the following benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors:
- Reduces fatigue, the most common effect of cancer treatment
- Improves symptoms of depression and anxiety and helps you sleep better
- Helps maintain or improve physical function (your ability to get things done in your life)
- Improves your immune system, appetite, muscle strength, range of motion
- Helps your body and brain work better
- Decreases your risk of cancer recurrence
- May help with preventing or reducing cancer-related lymphedema
Fee: $24 per month
Personal training, group classes and open gym formats available. Call (423) 495-7764 to schedule a consultation.
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