Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation

If you have a heart or lung condition, Banner Health’s cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help you regain strength, independence and confidence. 

These medically supervised programs combine exercise, education and lifestyle support to help you recover safely and improve your quality of life. Our rehabilitation specialists will create a personalized plan designed to meet your unique needs and health goals. 

Cardiac rehabilitation 

Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a structured, evidence-based program for people recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiac event. It focuses on rebuilding physical strength, supporting emotional well-being and helping you adopt heart-healthy habits for life. 

Our cardiac rehab team - including exercise physiologists, nurses, dietitians and behavioral health specialists - works closely with your cardiologist to guide every step of your recovery. 

When to consider cardiac rehab 

Your doctor may recommend cardiac rehab if you have experienced: 

• Heart attack or heart failure 
• Angioplasty or cardiac stent placement 
• Heart surgery, valve repair or heart transplant 
• Coronary artery disease or heart disease 
• Diabetes or obesity-related heart conditions 
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol 
• Depression or stress related to heart disease 
• Smoking-related cardiovascular conditions 

What to expect from our cardiac rehab program 

Your personalized cardiac rehabilitation plan includes: 

• Supervised exercise: Gentle, monitored workouts to safely strengthen your heart and body. 
• Education and support: Guidance on managing risk factors like stress, smoking, diet and blood pressure. 
• Lifestyle coaching: Tools to make lasting changes that promote heart health. 
• Emotional well-being: Support for depression, anxiety and adjustment after a cardiac event. 

Phases of cardiac rehab 

Banner Health’s cardiac rehabilitation is delivered in three structured phases: 

• Phase 1 – Inpatient rehabilitation: Begins while you’re in the hospital and includes education on heart care and light physical activity. 
• Phase 2 – Outpatient rehabilitation: Involves monitored exercise sessions and ongoing education about nutrition, exercise and stress management. 
• Phase 3 – Maintenance program: Offers supervised exercise and continued support to help you maintain progress long-term. 

Benefits of cardiac rehab 

Research shows that cardiac rehab can: 

• Improve heart and lung function 
• Reduce the risk of future heart events 
• Increase energy and physical stamina 
• Enhance mood and confidence 
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure 
• Support weight management and smoking cessation 

Your recovery journey is unique, but our team will help you move forward one step at a time. 

Find a cardiac rehab program near you. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation 

Pulmonary rehabilitation (pulmonary rehab) is a medically supervised program for people with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma or pulmonary fibrosis. 

The goal is to help you breathe easier, stay active and improve your quality of life through education, exercise and support. Our respiratory therapists and rehabilitation specialists tailor your program to your lung condition, lifestyle and abilities. 

Who can benefit from pulmonary rehab 

Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended if you have: 

• Asthma 
• Chronic bronchitis or COPD 
• Emphysema 
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 
• Restrictive lung disease 
• Lung transplant (as part of recovery) 

Your doctor will determine eligibility based on your diagnosis, medical history and physical condition. 

What you’ll learn in pulmonary rehab 

During pulmonary rehab, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team to learn how to manage your symptoms and live more comfortably. 

Your plan may include: 

• Breathing strategies: Learn techniques like pursed-lip or diaphragmatic breathing to improve efficiency. 
• Energy conservation: Discover ways to pace activities and reduce shortness of breath. 
• Exercise training: Build strength, endurance and flexibility through guided workouts. 
• Motivational counseling: Receive encouragement and emotional support. 
• Nutritional guidance: Learn how diet affects lung and overall health. 
• Condition management: Understand your lung disease, medications and triggers. 

The number of sessions varies based on your doctor’s recommendation and the location of your rehab center. 

Benefits of pulmonary rehab 

Patients who complete pulmonary rehab often experience: 

• Less shortness of breath during activity 
• Increased energy and endurance 
• Better understanding of how to manage symptoms 
• Reduced anxiety about breathing difficulties 
• Improved ability to perform daily activities 

Even if your lung condition can’t be cured, pulmonary rehab can make living with it easier and more manageable. 

Find a pulmonary rehab program near you. 

Insurance coverage 

Most insurance plans cover all or part of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation when medically necessary after a qualifying heart or lung event. 

Our Banner Health financial consultants can help verify your coverage, explain copayments and guide you through any required authorizations. 

Why choose Banner Health for cardiac and pulmonary rehab 

When you choose Banner Health, you’ll benefit from: 

• A team of experts who specialize in cardiac and pulmonary recovery 
• State-of-the-art exercise and monitoring equipment 
• Personalized treatment plans designed around your goals 
• Ongoing communication with your referring physician 
• Education, motivation and long-term support 

We’re here to help you recover safely, rebuild your strength and enjoy a healthier life.