Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Recovering from heart surgery is a vital step in your heart health journey. Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program designed to help you regain strength, improve overall health and reduce the risk of future heart problems.

At Banner Health, our dedicated cardiac rehabilitation specialists customize your recovery plan to meet your unique needs. Your program will include physical therapy exercises, nutrition guidance and engaging activities to make recovery more enjoyable. Our therapeutic recreation options, such as seated group exercises and interactive video games, are designed to motivate and inspire you during your recovery.

What happens during cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation typically consists of three phases, each tailored to support your recovery after heart surgery:

Phase I: In-hospital recovery

Your rehabilitation begins in the hospital shortly after leaving the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CICU). You may transition to the Progressive Care (Telemetry) Unit before moving to a rehabilitation facility. In this stage, we focus on:

• Providing guidance on diet, medications and risk factor reduction.
• Helping you adjust as you move from intensive monitoring to a more independent recovery phase. 

Phase II: Outpatient rehabilitation

The next phase takes place in an outpatient setting, where you'll participate in monitored exercise therapy sessions, typically three times a week. This phase also includes:

• Education on maintaining a heart-healthy diet.
• Tips for managing stress effectively.
• Support for you and your family to sustain long-term heart health.

Phase III: Maintenance phase

The final phase focuses on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. You’ll continue with monitored exercise and receive ongoing support to keep your heart in good condition. This phase is also beneficial for individuals with risk factors for heart disease who want to prevent surgical intervention. 

How long does it take to recover from heart surgery?

Recovery time varies based on the type of heart surgery, your age and other medical factors. Generally, recovery after open-heart surgery takes anywhere from six weeks to six months.

At Banner Health, your comfort and well-being are our priorities. Our team is here to help you manage pain, regain strength and return to your daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Take the first step toward a healthier heart

Your heart health is in good hands with Banner Health. Our comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program provides the care, support and guidance you need to achieve a successful recovery and long-term heart health.

If you have questions or are ready to schedule your cardiac rehabilitation, contact your referring provider or facility today.