Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised, exercise-based program designed to improve the cardiovascular health of individuals who have had a heart attack, heart surgery or other form of heart disease.
People who are part of a cardiac rehabilitation program are less likely to experience complications of cardiac disease and sudden death. They also are less likely to be readmitted to a hospital following a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty or heart surgery.
Participating in cardiac rehab can improve quality of life and exercise performance while reducing symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and psychological distress.
Cardiac Rehabilitation at Straub
Straub Benioff Cardiac Rehabilitation is a 12- to 36-week program structured to help you return to an active life while improving overall heart health.
Who can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation?
Patients with the following conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program:
- Myocardial infarction/heart attack within the past 12 months
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
- Heart transplant
- Chronic stable angina
- Cardiac procedures such as angioplasty or stent
- Heart valve surgery
- Heart failure
Speak with your primary care physician (PCP) or heart specialist to find out if you are eligible for cardiac rehab.
What can cardiac rehab participants expect?
Cardiac rehab focuses on low-impact aerobic exercises and strength training personalized to an individual’s ability. At Straub Benioff, we have exercise equipment for all levels of fitness.
We also provide medically supervised education and counseling in areas such as medication management, nutrition, tobacco cessation, diabetes, heart failure and other risk factor changes.
Our nurse case manager and exercise physiologist within the program are experienced in exercise safety and cardiac care. Our nurse case managers oversee participants’ treatment plans and provide expert opinions to manage their care.
By the end of the program, participants can expect to learn everything they will need to continue these lifestyle changes on their own, including at-home exercises and heart-healthy nutrition choices.
How often do participants attend cardiac rehab sessions?
Every participant will be asked to come into the clinic two to three times a week for one to two hours of medically supervised exercise with an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor and education on your cardiac risk factors. Vitals will be taken before, during and after exercise. Education will be provided at different times throughout your sessions.
The duration of the program can be between 12 and 36 weeks, based on a participant’s individual medical history and physician recommendations.
How can I register for cardiac rehabilitation?
Straub Benioff Cardiac Rehabilitation is referral-based only.
When we receive a referral from your cardiologist or primary care provider, our patient service representative will give you a call to explain the program and get additional information.
We also will obtain medical notes from your referring provider and insurance will be verified. Our nurse case manager will get all medical information to review and ensure that you are ready to start the program.
Once these steps are completed, we will call you to make an appointment for the initial intake.
The initial intake process includes the following:
- Exercise test
- Nutrition evaluation
- Psychosocial assessment
- Medical review
We also will provide an evaluation packet, which will need to be completed and brought into your initial intake.
How are cardiac rehab candidates evaluated?
Our experienced and professional team works with primary care physicians and specialists, such as cardiologists, to identify candidates for cardiac rehab.
Candidates are carefully screened by our nurses or exercise physiologist to ensure that the program is right for them.
Participants who are in the program continue to be treated by their primary care physicians and/or cardiologists.
Contact us
To request more information, please call 808-522-4114.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Straub Benioff Cardiac Rehabilitation
First Insurance Center
1100 Ward Ave., Suite 715
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
808-522-4114
This service is available at: Straub