Working out is great for your heart, but if you have a heart condition, it can be risky. Memorial Health’s Cardio Rehab Center aims to eliminate that risk.
If you need a workout buddy, Memorial Health’s Cardio Rehab Center offers EKG-monitored workouts to those who may not be able to safely exercise at home, like people who currently have heart conditions or are recovering from complications they’ve had in the past.
Dr. Eugen Ivan, a cardiologist at Memorial Health, said the program provides comprehensive support for cardiac patients.
“It’s very important that people who have different cardiac conditions such as heart failure, such as coronary disease with placements of stents, peripheral arterial disease,” he said, “They can go to a supervised exercise program where they can exercise up to three times a week, and they will be also provided with education regarding healthy lifestyle as well as diet and exercise prescription.”
Patients can participate in anaerobic exercises and cardio, such as walking and elliptical training, three times a week while being supervised by staff. The program helps them improve their quality of life and builds their confidence.
For some, it even gives them a better outlook on their health.
Dr. Abbas Johari, a patient at the center, said the program transformed his perspective after receiving a stent.
“When I got a stent in my heart, I got really depressed because I thought ‘this is, wow, I’m going down’,” he said, “But, coming here, I found out I can improve myself and I found out that, no, you can have a healthy heart, and you can move to the next level.”
The center has been operating for decades, helping people across Southwest Oklahoma live longer and healthier lives. It continues to grow to meet demand.
“We have expanded our program,” Ivan said, “It’s four times larger than when I started several years ago, and we’re actually planning another expansion that’s going to make it double the size that it is now. We just have so many patients that would really benefit from this program.”
If you would like to participate in the program, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician. The program usually lasts six to 12 weeks.
If you’re able to exercise at home safely, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week and at least two days a week to focus on strengthening your muscles. Older adults should also work on balance.
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