Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start
When a heart attack strikes, it can be a crushing blow. But heart disease doesn’t have to signal the end of a normal, active life. In fact, it can be the start of a new, healthier lifestyle. At Advocate South Suburban Hospital, we’re experienced in helping people with heart disease make a fresh start for their heart.

With individualized exercise programs and diets, our cardiac rehabilitation program specialists can help you reduce your blood pressure, body fat and stress levels. You’ll not only improve your defense against heart disease, you’ll feel better, too.

South Suburban Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation team is with you every step of the way. The team comprises many experienced specialists who are focused on a specific aspect of your health. Members of the rehabilitation team include:

• cardiologists
• exercise physiologists
• registered nurses
• nutritionists
• social workers
• clinical pharmacists

The Road to Recovery

Phase One
Recovery
Phase One of our rehabilitation program–recovering and rebuilding your health, starts while you are still in the hospital. Your personal registered cardiac nurse and exercise physiologist address your health needs and work with you as you begin your recovery. Our main goal is to improve your health so you can return home to your loved ones and friends as soon as possible.

During Phase One, we’ll help you with:

• diet
• exercise
• education
• a step-by-step activity program

Participation Requirements
As a South Suburban Hospital inpatient, your physician will assess your health and enroll you if appropriate.

Phase Two
After you’ve returned home, many questions usually arise regarding which activities are safe for you. Phase Two rehabilitation at South Suburban Hospital builds your confidence as it builds your body.

Exercise
For one hour, three times a week, you’ll exercise on fitness equipment, equipped with electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors, such as:

• stationary bikes
• treadmills
• rowing machines
• wall pulleys and more

An important part of your cardiac rehabilitation team, cardiologists are available 24 hours a day and can be consulted as needed. You’ll enjoy a comfortable, clean environment with men’s and women’s showers and dressing rooms.

Education
Phase Two also includes education classes for you and your family. Classes cover topics such as smoking cessation, proper nutrition and more.

After completing Phase Two, you’ll be ready to begin resuming your active lifestyle and, if conditions are favorable, return to work.

Participation Requirements
Physician consent and personal motivation are all that are required to participate in Phase Two.

Phase Three
Our goal in Phase Three is to keep your successful recovery and level of activity on track for life.

Exercise
Building upon progress made in Phase Two, you’ll continue working on the same fitness equipment.

Monitoring
Throughout Phase Three you’ll be supervised, and assisted as needed, by South Suburban Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation team. You’ll also continue to be monitored electronically, but at a lower intensity. Monitoring includes:

• "Quick Check” ECG strip (to assess heart rate?)
• blood pressure measurements
• ongoing exercise prescription assessments
• annual stress test–recommended to check progress and update exercise prescriptions

Participation Requirements
Your physician’s consent, and a physical examination, graded exercise test and a fee are required for Phase Three.

More Information
Let us help you achieve a renewed, healthy life. Our knowledge, experience, and support are key elements on your road to improved health. For more information, call (708) 799-8000, ext. 3104.

Convenient Location
South Suburban Hospital is easily accessible from the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), I-80 and I-57.

17800 South Kedzie Avenue
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
(708) 799-8000

Click here for map and directions.