MaineHealth Expands Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs at Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals

• Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital have broadened their cardiac rehabilitation offerings to enhance patient access and heart health.
• The expansion includes increasing traditional Phase II cardiac rehab classes and introducing a new self-directed Phase III program.
• Cardiac rehab, initiated post-cardiac event, integrates exercise, nutrition, and goal setting to improve physical fitness and overall well-being.
• The Phase III program offers continued access to the rehab gym under supervision for $45 per month, requiring a referral.

Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital, both part of MaineHealth, have announced an expansion of their cardiac rehabilitation programs. This initiative aims to provide more accessible and comprehensive care for patients recovering from cardiac events.

Enhanced Cardiac Rehab Offerings

In early September, the hospitals increased their traditional Phase II cardiac rehab classes from 18 to 24 and launched a new self-directed cardiac rehab program, known as Phase III. Joel Paredes, manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehab at Pen Bay and Waldo, emphasized the importance of convenience for patients in maintaining their progress.

Comprehensive Approach to Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is designed around the principle that exercise functions as a form of medicine. Patients are typically referred to the program following a cardiac event, such as a heart attack. The program is divided into phases, with Phase I occurring in the hospital immediately after the event and Phase II commencing after discharge.

During Phase II, patients attend up to two class sessions per day in the cardiac rehab gym, with a maximum of four sessions per week. A team of nurses supports patients as they work to regain or improve their pre-cardiac event physical fitness. Each session includes approximately 45 minutes of exercise. According to Paredes, the program adopts a holistic approach, incorporating exercise, nutrition, goal setting, and sleep health.

New Phase III Program

Previously, patients would "graduate" from Cardiac Rehab after demonstrating increased tolerance to physical activity, typically after 36 sessions. The new Phase III program offers these patients the option to continue using the cardiac rehab gym independently, while still under supervision. The cost for the Phase III program is $45 per month, and a referral is required.

"It’s a great option for patients who are ready to continue on their own but may feel more comfortable exercising under supervision," said Paredes. Interested patients are encouraged to consult with their cardiologist or primary care provider for more information.