News

LeConte Medical Center recognizes our team of nurses and respiratory therapists who help rehabilitate patients that have suffered a serious cardiac event, during national Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, February 10 – 16. Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, coincides with both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month in an effort to draw greater national attention to heart health. This year’s theme, “Healing Hearts and Touching Lives,” honors the patients, families, and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to cardiac rehabilitation as a vehicle for a healthy lifestyle.

LeConte’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program offers effective treatment for the following:
■ heart attack
■ angina
■ post-infarction
■ angioplasty
■ post-coronary bypass, and
■ 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. In order to help patients begin and maintain a productive healthy lifestyle, the Cardiac Rehabilitation 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 1½ 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 during exercise.

Educational classes led by the Cardiac Rehabilitation 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 to the classes, patients (and family, if needed) may receive private counseling by the Cardiac Rehabilitation 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.  

Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation at LeConte Medical Center is conveniently located in the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services, which is connected to LeConte Medical Center. The Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at LeConte Medical Center has received national certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). For more information about the services available please call 865.446.8500