The man didn't ease up enough. And Kurth became dissatisfied with the EKG readings. Patients are serious about improvement, but the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Former heart patients volunteer and motivate a few when the exercise gets tough. When a nurse checks the blood pressure of a woman on the stepper, it's done with a smile and a laugh.
Patients joke with each other.
During the two years the rehab center has been open, only about three patients have been transported back to the hospital. Most patients improve quickly, gaining more stamina from aerobic work and strength from the weights in the room. Oxygen levels for some hovered around a percent of 80 when they first started. Many have increased the percentage of blood oxygen to about 97 percent - a very healthy amount for anyone. And once they pass through this rehab course, they no longer need the EKG monitoring and are free to work out on their own - as long as they're careful.