Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to help patients with heart disease recover faster and return to full and productive lives. It encompasses a regimen of exercise, education and counseling. Cardiac rehabilitation means recovery to the best level possible and decreasing your risk of future heart events.

The benefits of Cardiac Rehab can include:

• Increased muscle strength
• Improved endurance
• Renewed confidence
• Reduced risk of further heart problems
• Reduced stress
• Quicker recovery

Many people have questions about what goes on at Cardiac Rehab. Some of the most commonly asked questions are answered below. If you need more information, however, please contact Seton Cardiac Rehab at (512) 324-1037.

What will I do at rehab?

Each exercise session will include an aerobic exercise component such as treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing machines and recumbent stair steppers. Muscular fitness will also be addressed using a variety of resistance training equipment. Each individual will be prescribed his/her own exercise routine to follow during each session.

How often will I come to rehab?

The first three sessions will be held on a Tuesday, Thursday, Tuesday sequence. The first time you come you will have an initial evaluation, which includes medical history, current medications, and we will also explain to you what to expect when in cardiac rehab.

Your second visit will consist of a treadmill exercise test supervised by an RN and an Exercise Physiologist. We will assess your current exercise capacity and from that we will prescribe you a daily exercise regimen to follow.

Your third visit will consist of your first monitored exercise session. We will show you how to get yourself set up with heart monitors and how to use the equipment you were prescribed for your exercise. This is really a one on one session so you will feel comfortable and know what to expect before you join your specific group class.

Once you have completed your first three sessions we will move you to group exercise classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday where you will be closely monitored during exercise. Each monitored exercise session will last up to 1-hour and 15 minutes, and because you are in these sessions weekly it is a great way to meet many people with similar heart condition and stories.

What times are monitored exercise sessions available?

Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes are held at 7:00 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts up to 1-hour and 15 minutes.

What do I bring to my first session?

Your first visit will be your initial evaluation. Please bring a list of current medications and any advanced healthcare directives (i.e. Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will).  It is recommended that you wear walking/athletic shoes to your evaluation.

What do I wear to my exercise sessions?

There is no particular dress code that is required, but participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and walking/athletic shoes.

How will I know if my health plan will cover cardiac rehab?

You can call your insurance provider to see if they will cover Out-patient Cardiac Rehabilitation; most companies will cover cardiac rehabilitation for a variety of heart conditions. If you are unsure, you can always call the cardiac rehab office and we can check for you.

What education classes are offered and when?

Seton’s Cardiac Rehab program offers several classes to help you on your path to wellness. Classes are offered at 8:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., and topics include:

• Cardiac
• Cardiac Drugs
• Cholesterol and Your Heart
• Heart Disease 101
• Diet/Nutrition
• Healthy Weight Control
• Heart Healthy Eating
• One-on-One Dietary Consultation (with a registered dietician)
• Restaurant Dining and Food Labeling
• Exercise
• Exercise and Diabetes
• Exercising Safely at Home
• Purchasing Home Exercise Equipment
• Toning and Strengthening
• Stretching
• Stress Management
• Simple Relaxation
• Strategies for Healthy Emotions
• Stress Management
• Other
• Smoking Cessation (One-on-One Counseling)

Where can I park?

The parking lot at Seton Medical Park Tower can be accessed via 38th Street or 34th Street. A portion of your parking will be validated each time you come to rehab.