Nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (read more...)

The Outpatient Heart Fitness Program at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center offers effective treatment for postinfarction, angioplasty, and post-coronary bypass patients, as well as for those patients considered to be high risks for coronary artery disease. Because the weeks immediately following a heart attack, angioplasty, or open heart surgery are so critical in the long-range rehabilitation of the patient, this program was developed to assist the cardiac patient in learning to care for their heart and to make necessary modifications in their lifestyle.

Individualized Program

To help patients begin and maintain a productive healthy lifestyle, the heart fitness team tailors a program to specifically meet the needs of each patient. Following clearance from the physician, an individualized exercise and diet program is outlined and implemented for the patient.

The exercise sessions last for 1 1/2 hours and meet three times a week for 8-12 weeks. Heart monitoring is used to detect any irregular beats or changes in heart activity. Regularly throughout the program, progress and any problems are reported to the patient's physician.

To compliment the exercise sessions, educational classes led by the heart fitness team teach patients and their family members about the heart, heart disease, high risk factors, and ways to reduce their risk for further heart damage. In addition, patients (and spouses, if needed) may receive private counseling by the heart fitness team to assist patients in modifying smoking habits and coping with stress. Counseling on diet and nutrition is also offered by a dietician for patients and family members, emphasizing topics such as healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping and dining out.

When the patient concludes the program, a final summary is compiled and forwarded to the attending physician.

Cost

Most insurance policies cover cardiac rehab programs. Patients should check by calling their insurance company or the heart fitness staff.

Lung Fitness

Chronic pulmonary disease is costly in both dollars and lives. Lung disease costs billions of dollars for medical care and disability payments in the United States. It is the fifth leading cause of death and disability in Tennessee. These statistics justify our attempts to reduce the number of people hospitalized or disabled with pulmonary symptoms. Lung fitness programs have been proven to reduce hospital admissions and improve exercise tolerance in people with lung diseases.

Participants and Structure of the Program

Patients start the program after a referral from their personal physician or a specialist. Participants in the program may be suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions that might impair the flow of air from the lungs. Our professionals provide individualized programs for exercise prescriptions, educational classes and support services. Sessions are 3 times per week or Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for 1 1/2 hours, for a total of 24-36 sessions. During the sessions patients can expect information on basic lung anatomy and function, symptom management, proper breathing techniques, diet recommendations, disease descriptions, medications, relaxation techniques and exercise therapy.

Eligibility for the Heart and Lung Fitness Program

Individuals are eligible for the program if they have heart disease or lung disease. Participation in the program, which can be started at any time, is based on physician referral.

After the Program

After completing heart and lung rehabilitation, our service offers unlimited attendance in our maintenance program for a monthly fee. Spouses may also qualify for this part of the program.

Information

To make an appointment for a complete discussion of our program and procedure, call (865) 429-6722.