250,000 suffer MIs each year. More men than women develop heart disease, but it is the leading cause of death among women. Since CHD is lifestyle related and can be an inherited disease, it is importnat that the patient's spouse and children do all they can to decrease their own risk of heart disease. ExerciseProgram Patients exercise at an individually prescribed level indicated by their medical history and personal goals. Heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram may be monitored as they exercise.
Patients gain confidence by being active in a medically supervised setting.
Support Patients and their families benefit greatly from sharing experiences with others who are in a similar situation. They don't feel as alone in their fight against heart disease, and encourage each other to keep up the good work. Clearwater County Memorial Hospital, an acute care facility, has an extensive cardiopulmonary rehab program, directed by Amie Erickson, a registered exercise physiologist. Participants include those who had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty, people with angina, heart arrhythmia, hypertension, or other risk factors. Most insurance plans cover all or part of an EKG-monitored exercise program.