UPMC Somerset offers Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Both programs are certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). From each program, you can expect to receive an individualized plan providing you with education, a monitored exercise program and support facilitated by registered nurses and respiratory therapists with oversight by a medical director. If you think you could benefit from Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation, please contact your physician for a referral. For additional information, please call 814-443-5153.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is an individualized and personalized treatment plan for those individuals with heart disease. This plan includes evaluation and instruction on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and other health related areas.
There are numerous benefits from attending cardiac rehabilitation. These include:
- Live longer and lessen your chances for another heart attack
- Control heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
- Stop or reverse damage to your blood vessels in your heart
- Lessen the physical and emotional effects of heart disease
- Improve your stamina and strength, getting you back to your usual activities, including work, hobbies and regular exercise
You may be eligible to receive cardiac rehabilitation if you have had one of the following diagnoses in the last 12 months:
- Heart Attack
- Coronary Artery Angioplasty or Stents
- Cardiac Surgery, such as Coronary Bypass or Valve Surgery
- Heart Transplantation
You may also be eligible to receive cardiac rehabilitation, if you have had one of the following diagnoses at any time:
- Heart Failure
- Angina
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that includes exercise classes and education about your lung disease or condition. This program may help you participate in activities with less shortness of breath, as well as teach you how to “live” better with your lung condition.
Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include:
- Decrease the symptoms of your disease or condition
- Ability to function better in your daily life
- Increased ability to exercise
- Decreased symptoms and better management of anxiety and depression
You may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation if you experience lung problems such as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Hypertestion
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery
- Lung volume reduction surgery before and after lung transplantation
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Director: Jill Fox, RN-BC, BSN, FAACVPR
Cardiac Rehabilitation Medical Director: Dr. V. Krishnan Nair
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Medical Director: Dr. Jayesh Desai