The entire session is supervised by cardiac care experienced nurses.  It involves three phases that are developed to provide for patients at various stages of cardiac recovery. 

Phase I - Inpatient Rehabilitation 

Cardiac Rehabilitation begins when the patient is admitted to the hospital.  Phase I includes patient and family education with monitored physical activity.  Cherokee Regional Medical Center’s staff is specially trained to provide education and counseling in various areas such as:

1.	Heart anatomy and function
2.	Coronary risk factor modifications
3.	Stress management
4..	Healthy eating habits
5.	Medication review
6.	Exercising properly

Phase II –
Outpatient Rehabilitation (4-12 weeks) 

Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation is an out-patient program designed to help cardiac patients and their families recover from the physical and emotional effect of a significant cardiac event such as a heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty (balloon procedure), or other cardiac illness.

Exercise classes:

1.	Advanced Cardiac Life Support personnel are present at all sessions.
2.	Each patient follows an individualized program designed just for them.
3.	Heart monitored throughout the exercise session.
4..	Light upper body weights
5.	Warm-up exercises, treadmill, air dyne bicycle, followed by a cool-down.
6.	Sessions are three times a week, 60 minutes per session.

Education:

1.	Individual review of heart disease and risk factor modifications.
2.	Review of heart anatomy and function.
3.	Learn to set positive lifestyle goals.
4..	Exercise properly; learn when to start, and when to stop.
5.	Recognize angina pain, and what to do when it happens.
6.	Stress relief and medications.
7.	Healthy eating habits.
8.	Monitoring cholesterol levels.

Phase III – Outpatient Health  Maintenance 

Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation is a long-term exercise program monitored by Cardiac Rehab personnel at a minimal charge to patients.  This program is designed for patients who have completed Phase II and wish to continue exercising in a monitored environment. 

Phase III program includes:

1.	Exercise session
2.	Individual exercise program
3.	Warm-up exercises
4..	Light upper body weights
5.	Workouts on treadmill or air dyne bicycle
6.	Cool down exercises
7.	Three times a week, 60 minute sessions
8.	Education program in conjunction with the exercise
Program on a weekly basis
9.	Establishing a comfort zone to enhance patient’s lifestyle