Achieving & Maintaining Optimum Cardiovascular Health
Cardiac rehabilitation, offered through the George & Estelle Sands Center for Cardiac & Pulmonary Care at Princeton Medical Center (PMC) 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. Our multidisciplinary team consists of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified registered nurses, exercise physiologists, registered pharmacists and registered dietitians.
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
Facts about cardiac rehabilitation:
- Nearly 12.5 million Americans are eligible for cardiac rehab
- Cardiac rehab improves physical and emotional condition of patients with heart disease
- Participation in cardiac rehab programs resulted in a 20-30 percent reduction in mortality rates, according to a study by the American Heart Association
We're Here to Support You
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients who have had:
- Angina
- Angioplasty
- Cardiac bypass surgery
- Heart attack
- Heart transplant
- 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 PMC 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 nurse with specialized training in cardiac rehabilitation will conduct an initial interview to carefully evaluate each patient's exercise and educational needs. Then an individually designed, medically supervised exercise and education program will be developed just for you.
Exercise sessions will be conducted in our rehabilitation center at PMC. You will use 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 and/or 36 visits, depending on your risk level. 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:
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Cholesterol control
- Emergency planning
- Medication management
- Nutrition Information
- Panic control
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
- Weight management
Programs & Services
Princeton Health offers you a complete continuum of care to support all of your health and wellness needs, including:
- Advanced cardiac and pulmonary diagnostic services
- Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Community Wellness
- External counterpulsation treatment for angina
- Diabetes Management Program
- Nutrition Program
- Pain Management Program
- Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center
- Sleep Center
Admission
Admission to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at PMC is by physician referral only. Prior to beginning your rehabilitation program, your physician will arrange for an exercise stress test. PMC 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 services are located at:
Princeton Medical Center
One Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ
For directions to PMC, click here.