Cardiac rehabilitation

Our cardiac rehabilitation program provides you with an integrated, multidisciplinary team of experts committed to helping you, as well as your family and caregivers, manage and improve your cardiovascular health. This means you have the “best of the best” working with you – providers with specific expertise in all areas of cardiac rehabilitation providing the treatment and tools you need to help you on your way. Your team may include:  

• cardiologists
• cardiac rehabilitation nurses
• clinical dieticians
• exercise physiologists
• social workers
• spiritual care professionals

Your cardiac rehabilitation team works closely with your cardiologist and primary care provider, giving you peace of mind that you are truly part of one team that is seamlessly connected and working together in your rehabilitation and safe return to performing everyday activities. 

Cardiac rehabilitation services offered 

All cardiac rehab programs are medically supervised. Your rehabilitation follows an individualized treatment plan developed to meet your specific needs. Your plan will include:

• exercise sessions (in clinic, typically several times a week)
• lifestyle education (in clinic)

Components of our treatment plans include:

• Exercise: Cardiovascular-monitored exercise that helps to get your body moving and supports your overall cardiac wellness. Your exercise plan is tailored to individual patient goals and medical history
• Nutrition: Dietary education and support that promote heart-healthy living
• Physical and mental well-being: Educational programs and support groups that help you learn how to manage your current condition, lower your risks and recover both physically and emotionally.  

You will need a referral from your cardiologist or primary care provider for cardiac rehabilitation services.

Your primary care provider or cardiologist can determine whether cardiac rehabilitation is the best next step for you and will:

• evaluate your symptoms and current condition
• provide insight into the type of specialized care you may need for your condition
• refer you for cardiac rehabilitation services

Your cardiac rehabilitation experience begins with a medical assessment, which helps your team understand your condition and needs.

Using the information gathered from your assessment, your team will develop a customized rehabilitation plan that meets your specific needs, supports your recovery, helps you manage your condition and addresses your overall well-being.

Our Eden Prairie facility collaborates with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed for recovery and adoption of a heart healthy lifestyle. Pritikin ICR is based on three focus areas, or “pillars”:

• regular exercise
• heart-healthy eating
• healthy mind-set

Your visits include an individualized exercise session and an education class (e.g., interactive workshop, cooking demonstration, individualized consultation or informative video). Our dedicated team of professionals is by your side throughout the program, integrating the three pillars into your experience to enhance your overall health:

• Our dietitian provides ideas for simple, affordable and satisfying foods that follow heart healthy guidelines.
• Cardiac rehab therapists use your goals to guide your sessions, addressing activity and exercise levels, risk factors for heart disease as well as your mental and social well-being.
• Spiritual care professionals provide insight and education on how your thinking, actions and feelings impact your heart and health.

Should you require additional specialized care and support outside of cardiac rehabilitation, your cardiac rehabilitation providers will work with your cardiologist and primary care provider to partner with other Allina Health specialists. Examples of this type of care may include specialized treatment such as pain management, weight management, diabetes care or integrative (holistic) treatment at the Penny George® Institute for Health and Healing.

We also want you actively involved in your care. One way you can do that is through the Allina Health account, an online tool that lets you track appointments, review test results, access electronic records, communicate with your team and more.