Cardiac Rehabilitation, The "Other Half" Of Your Recovery

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a "tailor-made" program which helps you build a better quality of life, both physically and emotionally, following a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart condition. If your physician has successfully performed heart surgery, valve replacement, coronary stenting or angioplasty, healing has only begun.  Referral to cardiac rehabilitation continues the road to a vital recovery. 

Our History with Hearts

When Southwest Washington Medical Center first started performing heart surgeries in 1992, we also started the area's first cardiac rehabilitation program to be nationally certified by the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).    Thirteen years later, with more space for our rehab participants, we remain a leader in cardiac rehabilitation in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.  

Local, National & Even Global Recommendations

Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at Southwest Washington Medical Center strongly recommend cardiac rehabilitation as an important part of the healing process -- as do our former cardiac rehabilitation participants.  Nationally, the renowned Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic promote cardiac rehab as a necessary component to heart health.  On a global level, The World Health Organization and the American Heart Association, recommend that nearly all patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, coronary angioplasty, or other heart or blood vessel disease attend appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and prevention programs.   

It Takes A Team

If you are just recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, talking to a nutritionist or walking on a treadmill might be the last thing you want on your "to do" list.  Perhaps your are feeling too sick, or believe you could exercise on your own.  Perhaps you believe that you do not need rehabilitation, or are too busy to attend.  But exercising under the guidance of Southwest's Heart Wellness team may be the key to a better quality of life, as you discover how to thrive with heart disease.  We offer a variety of program options and times, and many insurance companies reimburse for participation in cardiac rehabilitation.  Having a strong and caring team working with you towards your health goals can make a difference after your life has been disrupted by heart illness.

Heart Wellness

Heart and Vascular Center staff regularly participate in heart health education programs and screenings offered by the medical center and available throughout the community.

We also have partnerships with Clark College and Vancouver Parks & Recreation, providing community-based exercise programs.  These include:

• Healthy Heart exercise class at Clark College's fitness center (enroll through Clark College, either with the Health & Physical Education department, or the Mature Learning program -- if you are 55 or older)
• Heart Walk at the Firstenburg Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings (7-8 a.m., on the indoor walking track)