Achieving & Maintaining Optimum Cardiovascular Health

Cardiac rehabilitation at University Medical Center at Princeton is a medically supervised, progressive exercise and education program for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

Under the direction of a cardiologist and working closely with each patient's personal physician, our team of specialized cardiac nurses will assist patients in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many of the program's nurses are certified in cardiac rehabilitation and all are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), ensuring patients receive highly skilled care. Our multidisciplinary team includes exercise physiologists and registered dietitians as well.

University Medical Center at Princeton has achieved Program Certification for cardiac rehabilitation by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Certification is bestowed only to programs rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet essential requirements for standards of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation patients benefit from:

• Improved efficiency of the heart
• Lower blood pressure and heart rate
• Increased strength and stamina
• Weight control
• Improved physical and mental well-being

We're Here to Support You

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients who have had:

• A heart attack
• Cardiac bypass surgery
• Angina
• Angioplasty
• Heart valve repair or replacement surgery
• Other heart-related ailments
  

These conditions often require patients to make changes to their lifestyle including exercise, diet and stress management, all of which may be unfamiliar and even confusing.

The cardiac rehabilitation team at University Medical Center at Princeton is committed to helping patients achieve optimal cardiovascular function. In fact, our commitment to patient satisfaction is evidenced by consistently high scores on patient satisfaction surveys conducted by Press Ganey, the healthcare industry's leading performance measurement and improvement firm. 

How the Program Works

Upon admission to the program, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse will conduct an initial interview to carefully evaluate each patient's exercise and educational needs. Then an individually designed, medically supervised exercise program will be developed just for you.

Exercise sessions are conducted in our well-equipped rehabilitation center, where you will utilize a variety of equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes and free weights to gradually build strength and stamina. Every session is EKG-monitored. Your primary care physician and cardiologist will be kept well informed of your progress.

Monitored cardiac rehabilitation may last up to 12 weeks. You will exercise three days per week for approximately one hour. Your progress is assessed throughout the program and is modified based on your personal medical needs, physical abilities and your physician's recommendations.

Support & Information

In addition to the exercise component, cardiac rehabilitation offers valuable educational materials and information for patients, family members and loved ones. Some of the many topics include:

• Nutritional information
• Stress management
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Cholesterol control
  

Programs & Services

Princeton HealthCare System offers cardiac patients a complete continuum of care to support all of your health and wellness needs.

• Advanced Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Maintenance Program
• Diabetes Management Program
• Nutrition Program
• Pain Management Program
• Princeton HealthCare System Community Education & Outreach Program
• Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
  

Admission

Admission to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at University Medical Center at Princeton is by physician referral only. Prior to beginning your rehabilitation program, your physician will arrange for an exercise stress test. University Medical Center at Princeton participates in most insurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid. Our staff will assist you with the insurance process.

For patients who would like to learn more about our program and eligibility requirements, we offer a free consultative visit. No physician referral is required.

Comfort & Convenience

Cardiac rehabilitation offers two convenient service sites:

University Medical Center at Princeton
Lambert House, Ground Floor
253 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
For directions to UMCP, click here.

Monroe Unit
11 Centre Drive, Monroe Township
For directions to the Monroe Unit, click here.

For more information, call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at 1.888.PHCS4YOU (1.888.742.7496) or visit www.princetonhcs.org