Cardiac Rehabilitation

Helping you get back to your normal routine

Adventist Health White Memorial’s cardiac rehabilitation program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This is a significant achievement for the program since there are only eight other programs in California that have achieved this certification. Our cardiac rehab program is the only certified program in Los Angeles County.

The program & its benefits

The Heart and Vascular Care Center provides a 12-week outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program of monitored exercise, which features new, state-of-the-art equipment at a hospital well-known for excellence in rehabilitation services.

The program is designed to strengthen and improve the activity of the heart following a heart attack, valve replacement, coronary bypass, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), heart transplant or stable angina. The goal of the program is to help patients return to a healthier and more active lifestyle as safely and quickly as possible.

The program also includes education and counseling by dieticians, physicians, occupational therapists, nurses and other health professionals to help you:

• Make lifestyle changes
• Manage your diet properly
• Understand your medications
• Reduce stress
• Stop smoking
• Return to sexual activity and other leisure interests

Additionally, you will be taught how to monitor your own vital signs and how to stay within your exercise limits.

As part of the program, you will not only participate in group activities but also receive individualized attention to meet your needs. You can also participate in independent but supervised exercise programs with other cardiac patients, once telemetry is no longer needed and you are proficient at monitoring your own vital signs.

A registered nurse trained in telemetry and advanced life support and who has worked with many patients experiencing cardiac problems, coordinates the program. An exercise physiologist, who is trained in exercise and has expertise in neuromuscular problems and muscle strengthening, creates and follows patients through their exercise program. Our staff is friendly, patient-oriented and strives to make patients feel as comfortable as possible. Many members of the patient care staff are fluent in Spanish, English and Chinese.

Coordinated care

Physicians are involved in your care throughout the program. They may consult directly with the medical director of the program at any time regarding your care.

Physicians appreciate the education and counseling their patients receive at Adventist Health White Memorial. They also like our individually customized exercise plans because these help speed recovery safely and effectively.

Program access

To enroll in the cardiac rehabilitation program at Adventist Health White Memorial, you will need a physician referral and an exercise clearance. Referrals and prescriptions may be faxed to our rehabilitation services at (323) 260-5786.

For more information about our services, call the cardiac rehabilitation program at (323) 268-5000, ext. 1067, and ask for the cardiac rehabilitation coordinator.