Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at UPMC Chautauqua

After a heart attack, coronary artery stent placement, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve surgery, congestive heart failure, or other heart problem, cardiac rehab could be just what you need to help with your recovery.

The UPMC Chautauqua Cardiac Rehabilitation Program can help get you back on your feet and feeling good again through:

• Medically supervised exercise tailored to your heart health and unique needs.
• Heart-healthy living tools and resources.
• Encouragement and emotional support.
• Education to understand how to manage heart disease and risk factors.

We accept most health insurance.

Contact the UPMC Chautauqua Heart Center Cardiac Rehab Program

To learn more about how to take care of your heart, or if you have questions about our cardiac rehabilitation program, call 716-664-8137.

What to Expect During Cardiac Rehab at UPMC Chautauqua

First, you'll need your doctor to refer you to our program. Our staff can help with a referral.

Next — before you start your rehab program — one of our cardiologists will:

• Give you a low-level stress test to evaluate your heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure response to help determine what activity is healthy for you.
• Do a brief physical exam.
• Review your health history and current medications.

This information helps our staff design a tailored workout and rehab plan that meets your personal goals.

About your customized cardiac rehab program

Here's what you can expect:

• The cardiac rehab program is three days a week — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We offer several class times throughout the day to fit your schedule. Most programs are between 6 and 12 weeks, based on your needs, insurance benefits, and plans to return to work (if applicable).
• Each class is about an hour, with an added 30-minute education session on Wednesdays. This extra session helps address any questions or concerns about how to decrease your risk of heart disease in the future, and in managing your recovery.
• You'll start with stretching and a warm-up exercise to prepare for your individualized exercise program, followed by working out on the treadmills, NuSteps, bicycles, hand weights, and other equipment improve your heart health.
• Our staff will have you on a heart monitor to observe your heart rate and heart rhythm throughout your exercises and we will also monitor your oxygen levels. We will take your blood pressure prior to, during, and after exercise to make sure you are exercising safely.