Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center was developed to "counterattack" the effects and progression of heart and blood vessel diseases. Exercise, education, and counseling encourage the cardiac patient toward a more active, healthy lifestyle. The program's three phases - inpatient, outpatient, and maintenance - provide patients with immediate access to rehabilitation professionals while giving them support and guidance to maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.

Phase I: Inpatient

The first phase of cardiac rehabilitation is initiated soon after admission to the hospital and continues throughout the patient's stay. It involves a gradual start of low-level activities or exercises under the supervision of the Cardiac Rehab staff. Appropriate educational materials are offered to help the patient and family learn about nutrition, medications, stress and heart care.

Phase II: Outpatient

The second phase of cardiac rehabilitation begins one to four weeks after discharge from the hospital. An initial evaluation determines the patient's condition and safe physical activity guidelines to ensure the proper level of exercise. The Phase II program consists of three one-hour exercise sessions a week for eight to 12 weeks. Heart rate, EKG, and blood pressure are monitored continuously throughout each session. The program offers a variety of exercise equipment including an Air-Dyne bike, treadmills, recumbent bike, arm ergometers, rowing machines and light weights. In Phase II, the patient is provided additional information concerning heart anatomy and disease, risk factors, effects of exercise, stress management and more.

Phase III: Maintenance

The final phase of cardiac rehabilitation is designed to help the patient stay in good physical condition. Three exercise sessions each week are supervised by the cardiac rehabilitation staff.

Contact Information

For more information, and cost information call (309) 662-3311, ext. 2654. For a full listing of OSF Rehab locations and services, please visit our OSF Rehabilitation home page.