Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac/Pulmonary Health & Fitness program provides a wide range of comprehensive services to cardiac and pulmonary patients, post-heart attack and bypass patients. Designed to support the physical, emotional and social needs of the patient and family, the program offers a continuum of care to patients in Northern Arizona. Individuals interested in reducing their risk factors for heart disease can have a specialized plan of care developed by our team of professional care specialty-trained registered nurses, exercise physiologist, and respiratory therapist.

Summit Healthcare offers four levels of cardiac and pulmonary fitness programs. The programs adhere to guidelines of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Phase I Cardiac/Pulmonary Program
For inpatient cardiac or pulmonary patients. This program provides education regarding patient’s disease and provides light physical activity as prescribed by your doctor.

Phase II Cardiac Program
This program is designed for cardiac patients who have had a heart attack or a coronary bypass within the last year or have stable angina. The program requires stress test by referring physician or from facility of their choice, and an initial evaluation performed by registered nurse or exercise physiologist. There are 36 sessions of 1½ hours each. The patient is monitored for the entire session; vital signs and oxygen saturations taken before, after and three times during each session. Education is given according to patient’s needs, including, relaxation and stress management techniques, diet instructions by registered dietitian. An individualized exercise program is planned by exercise physiologist.

Phase II Pulmonary Program
This program is designed for pulmonary patients with emphysema, chronic bronchitis and/or asthma. The initial evaluation includes 6-minute walking test and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). A stress test is not required. Each session is 1½ hours of monitored exercise and includes staff instruction on home equipment, oxygen use, cleaning techniques and proper use of inhaler. Patients are instructed in pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing techniques. Patient education also includes an appointment with a registered dietitian.

Phase III/IV Cardiac/Pulmonary Program
Phase III/IV is for patients who have completed Phase II and want to continue exercise in a group setting. This maintenance program is for the more independent patient. A cardiac monitor is used as needed, vital signs and pulse oximetry (measures oxygen in the blood) are checked periodically during exercise. This is usually not covered by insurance (patients are self-pay).

Public Education
Patients meet to discuss the challenges of dealing with chronic cardiac and pulmonary diseases. This informal setting provides peer socialization as well as a support network for participants and family members. The Cardiac/Pulmonary Support Group meets at Summit Healthcare every week, please call 537-6336 for details.