Heart Failure Exercise Program

What is the Heart Failure Exercise Program?

It is an outpatient exercise program for people who have been diagnosed with a condition called Heart Failure. Our professional staff of registered nurses and exercise physiologists will closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and response to exercise. You will wear a heart monitor during the exercise classes to evaluate your heart rate and rhythm. Classes are held three times per week and are approximately one hour long.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a common condition that affects over five million Americans of all ages. It usually develops slowly as the heart muscle weakens and needs to work harder to keep blood flowing through the body. Heart Failure does not mean that the heart suddenly stops working. Heart Failure can develop following injury to the heart such as:

Heart attack
Long-term high blood pressure
Abnormality of one of the heart valves
Infection
Other unusual conditions

How Can Exercise Help Me?

Along with your prescribed medication, regular exercise can help relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and weakness. It can allow you to walk farther, work or shop with less fatigue, and enjoy leisure activities longer. Exercise improves the ability of the heart and blood vessels to carry oxygen to the muscles. This allows you to be active for longer periods of time without becoming fatigued. Many people also increase their self-confidence and describe an overall improvement in the quality of their lives.

How do I Get Started?

Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional if you’re interested in our Heart Failure exercise program. A signed physician referral is required. Before beginning the program you will meet with our registered nurse who will work with you and your doctor to develop an exercise plan.

Does Insurance Cover This Program?

Please call your insurance carrier to verify benefits or we will be happy to assist you.

Where Are You Located?

You can find us in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at St. John Hospital and Medical Center (313-343-3157) and the satellite facility, St. John Medical Center-Romeo Plank (586-226-6050) located on Romeo Plank south of 21 Mile Road. For more information, please call the location nearest you. We look forward to meeting you.

St. John Hospital map