Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is home to the first cardiac rehabilitation program in North Carolina and one of the first in the United States. Cardiac rehab is a medically directed comprehensive exercise, education, and support program for those recovering from and living with heart disease. It is designed to help participants recover quickly, improve physical and mental functioning, and reduce the risk of another cardiac event.  

How will cardiac rehab help?

Our team of clinical exercise specialists, registered nurses, and a nutritionist show you how you can successfully manage a heart healthy lifestyle. The program is certified by the state of North Carolina and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The goals of cardiac rehab are to:

• Increase your understanding about your condition and treatment
• Help you make the right lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of future heart problems
• Increase your ability to perform your job and your daily or recreational activities
• Provide you and your family with the support and motivation you need to make important lifestyle changes

Who can benefit from cardiac rehab?

Cardiac rehab programs benefit patients who have or have had:

• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, rotoblation, or stent placement
• Angina
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Congestive heart failure
• Valve repair or replacement
• Heart transplant
• Other heart related disorders or surgeries

What does the program include?

Participants attend medically supervised exercise sessions, educational seminars, and dietary counseling. We also offer tobacco cessation counseling, diabetes guidance, medication management, and social support.

Our exercise sessions are tailored to meet your needs and abilities.  Each session is individualized to build endurance and strength. During each exercise session we will monitor heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs as needed.

Exercise equipment available to participants includes: treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, arm ergometers, lap walking, NuSteps, and weight machines.

How does the program work?

Depending on your recovery, cardiac rehab can start 2 weeks after your cardiac procedure. Your first visit will include a review of your medical history, an evaluation of your cardiac risk factors, and a discussion about exercise guidelines. We encourage you to bring a support person to the evaluation sessions, as well as an insurance card and a list of current medication.

Most patients attend 3 times a week for 12 weeks or 36 sessions. However we will individualize your program to meet your needs and goals. We do ask that you incorporate exercise into your routine on other days of the week. Our staff will give you guidance on exercising outside of the program.

Most sessions will last one hour. This includes 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 15 minutes of stretching and strength exercises. One day a week we hold educational classes along with exercise for an additional 30 minutes on those days. Family members and loved ones are invited to be involved in the program and attend the weekly educational classes. 

A signed referral from your physician and authorization from your insurance company are required. The cardiac rehab staff will assist in obtaining these.

What is the cost of the program?

Most insurance carriers cover outpatient cardiac rehab. We will determine your coverage prior to starting you in the program. Scholarship support may be provided to qualifying participants based on financial needs and availability of funds.

“Graduate” or maintenance program

After completion of the initial phase of cardiac rehab, patients can join our maintenance exercise program. This phase includes supervised open gym times. The program is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6:30 am to 8 am and 2:30 pm to 4 pm.  This is a self-pay program and is not insurance reimbursable.

Class details

Classes meet at 7:30 am, 8:30 am, and 10:45 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays on the second floor of the Sticht Center. For more information, call 336-713-8855 or email taddison@wfubmc.edu.

Helpful Web Links

• American Heart Association: What is cardiac rehab?
• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: www.aacvpr.org
• WebMD: How to choose a cardiac rehab
• Heart Insight Article: Cardiac Rehab: It's Not Just WORKING OUT 

External Counter Pulsation ECP (see info from Connie Paladenech)

Program Staff

Killian C. Robinson, MD Cardiac Rehab Medical Director	Norman Adair, MD Pulmonary Rehab Medical Director
Connie Paladenech, RRT, RCP Program Director, Respiratory Therapist	Theresa Addison, MS ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
Cynthia Hayes, RN, BSN Registered Nurse	Beverly Martin, RN, BSN Registered Nurse
Suzanne DeLapp, RRT, RCP Respiratory Therapist	William Allen, CSCS Exercise Specialist
Tony Walker, RRT, RCP Respiratory Therapist	Sharon Cornelison, RCP, RRT-NPS Respiratory Therapist
Julie Ellis, MPH, RD, LDN Nutritionist	Sue Longinotti Secretary