Advanced cardiac care to get you back to those you love
Rehabilitation and support services
Cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) rehabilitation is a medically supervised program to help patients with heart disease, pulmonary disease or peripheral vascular disease regain strength, prevent their condition from worsening and reduce the risk of recurrence. Heart or cardiac rehabilitation programs have proven to significantly increase chances of survival.
CHI Memorial's cardiac rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of CHI Memorial’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.
Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation, available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga and CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson, begins while the patient is still in the hospital and provides a customized program of non-strenuous activities and education. A cardiac rehabilitation nurse or exercise physiologist assesses each patient's risk factors, educational needs and activity level.
Phase II is an EKG monitored exercise and educational program for individuals with cardiovascular disease designed to continue their rehabilitation after hospital discharge. Patients with cardiovascular disease who can benefit from this program include those with stable angina, recent bypass surgery, a heart attack, angioplasty,congestive heart failure, PTCA with stent, valve repair or replacement, or heart transplant. In addition, patients with peripheral artery disease with the diagnosis of ‘intermittent claudication’ are eligible for 36 sessions of monitored exercise. A multidisciplinary team including exercise physiologists, nurses and nutritionists, works with each individual to design a customized exercise program and a behavior modification plan to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
During this phase, patients with lung issues (COPD and Restrictive Lung disease) meet in an outpatient class setting to gradually increase their activity level under the close supervision of registered nurses and exercise physiologists and a respiratory therapist. Supervision includes oxygen saturation and blood pressure monitoring. Patients learn more about diet, coping with their condition and other concerns. Phase II pulmonary rehabilitation services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Patients must be referred by a physician.
During this phase, patients with intermittent claudication due to their blood flow problems to their legs, meet in an outpatient class setting to gradually increase their activity level under the close supervision of registered nurses and exercise physiologists. Supervision includes EKG monitoring and blood pressure monitoring. Patients learn more about diet, coping with their condition and other concerns. Phase II services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Patients must be referred by a physician.
Participants at this level may continue the program they began in phase II or they may enter the program directly with a physician referral. The goal is to reduce cardiovascular or pulmonary risk factors to lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nurses and exercise physiologists help the participant develop an individualized program. Phase III services are available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.
Patients who require lung surgery can increase their tolerance for exercise and the activities of daily living, improve muscle strength and flexibility, before and after surgery. The program includes 8 sessions of exercise supervision and education. The Healthy Lung Program is available at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.
CHI Memorial's Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team shares information to prepare patients for changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the active COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some necessary changes:
- The program will be operating from the Employee Fitness Center, directly adjacent to the Cardiac Rehab gym.
- Hours of operation will be limited to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for the time being. Please note you will be asked to wear a mask in some areas.
- Open gym periods will be offered every hour between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.* Therefore, exercise sessions will be limited to 1 hour.
- Due to social distancing guidelines our open gym periods must be limited to 25 persons per session.
- In addition to gym periods, group classes will be offered. Group classes will occur every hour on the half hour between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.*
- Due to social distancing guidelines our group classes must be limited to 10 persons per session.
- Some amenities will be affected:
- No coffee will be served. Water is available by cup and bottle use only.
- We ask that you come dressed to exercise as our changing areas have been reduced. Please limit changing to the shower changing areas if necessary and not the locker commons areas.
- Showers and towel services remain operable at this time.
- Storage of personal items will be limited to lockers in the Employee Fitness Center, no keys will be provided, please plan accordingly.
*Open Gym Periods (limit 25 persons):
- 9 - 10 a.m.
- 10 – 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 12 – 1 p.m.
- 1 – 2 p.m.
- 2 – 3 p.m.
- 3 – 4 p.m.
*Group Classes (limit 10 persons)
- 9:30 – 10 a.m.
- 10:30 – 11 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
A staff member will be calling patients to discuss these changes and help schedule an exercise time. For questions and concerns, call (423) 495-7422 or (423) 495-4130 or reach us by email at MemorialCardioRehab@memorial.org.
Patient forms
Patient forms are listed below. Please download, print and complete at home. Bringing the appropriate forms with you to your appointment along with your insurance cards will help make your wait time as short as possible.
Support services
Information, guidance and compassionate support services are offered to cardiac patients, family members and friends at CHI Memorial’s Guerry Heart and Vascular Center. Social services, nutritional education and volunteer cardiac ambassadors are available to answer questions and help families cope with changes in their lives after heart treatment.
For more information on classes and other support services, call (423) 495-7422.