Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR)


Personalized Solutions. Clinical Support. Better Outcomes.

IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

Patient undergoing rehabilitation therapy following a cardiac event.
Patient undergoing rehabilitation therapy following a cardiac event.

Cardiac Rehabilitation, or CR, is a comprehensive program designed to prevent future health problems and improve the quality of life for people recovering from a cardiac-related event or procedure.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, CR aims to improve heart health during 36 sessions. It uses proven medical strategies to aid recovery and reduce the chances of heart attack or stroke.

Using a team-based approach, participants work with community health workers to learn critical strategies to help them live longer, control their heart disease symptoms, and improve their stamina and strength.

All participants receive:

  • A supervised exercise plan to improve physical fitness
  • Lifestyle tools and strategies that support healthy eating and weight loss
  • Counseling to reduce stress and lessen the emotional impacts of heart disease

Participants may also be assigned a community health worker who will provide one-on-one support to help them live healthier lives and remove any barriers preventing them from accessing the quality of care they deserve.

Some of the services they may receive are:

  • Connections to medication assistance programs that may help lower costs
  • One-on-one support to better understand and successfully complete the program
  • Education and tips to better understand, manage, and prevent heart disease
  • An expert review of their medications and a personalized medication schedule created so that they know they are taking their medicines on time and correctly

Who can benefit the most from this program?

Southern Maryland residents who have a history of any of these conditions, events, or procedures may benefit from CR: 

  • A heart attack in the last 12 months 
  • Stable but chronic heart failure 
  • Current chest pain (angina) 
  • A heart valve repair or replacement 
  • A medical procedure used to open a blocked artery called a coronary angioplasty, or a procedure to keep an artery open (coronary stent) 
  • A heart or heart-lung transplant 

Program Delivery Methods

  • Live, interactive sessions are held in person or over video using an internet connection via your computer or mobile phone.

Costs

CR is free to eligible participants. You may be asked to pay a small copay, depending on your insurance.

If you have any of these conditions, events, or procedures, the doctor may refer you to CR: 

  • A heart attack in the last 12 months 
  • A stable chronic heart failure 
  • Current chest pain (angina) 
  • A heart valve repair or replacement 
  • A medical procedure used to open a blocked artery called a coronary angioplasty, or a procedure to keep an artery open (coronary stent) 
  • A heart or heart-lung transplant 

Take the next step, get started today. Contact PreventionLink at (301) 883-7220.

To be eligible, participants must meet the following criteria: 

  • A heart attack in the last 12 months 
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery 
  • Current stable angina pectoris (chest pain) 
  • A heart valve repair or replacement 
  • A coronary angioplasty (a medical procedure used to open a blocked artery) or coronary stent (a procedure to keep an artery open) 
  • A heart or heart-lung transplant 
  • Stable chronic heart failure