Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation improves exercise tolerance and psychosocial well-being without increasing your risk of further injury. Comprehensive and individualized programs consist of a diverse team of medical specialists, including cardiologists, nurses, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers.

With the largest multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation centers in the Valley, our expert team at HonorHealth Cardiac Rehabilitation will partner closely with you throughout your healing journey to help you get back to doing what you love. Each of our team members also teach cardiac risk factor education classes to further support you on your road to recovery. 

HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea, John C. Lincoln and Deer Valley Cardiac Rehabilitation Centers have earned the highest level of certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This certification is awarded when the program demonstrates robust standards, consistent and successful performance outcomes and high-quality patient services. 

Cardiac rehabilitation is especially important for patients who have had:

  • Heart attack(s)
  • Angioplasty/one or more stent placements
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Valve surgery
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Other related heart issues
  • Chronic breathing problems
An HonorHealth patient participates in cardiac rehab

A multi-phased plan for recovery

We use a three-phase approach for cardiac rehabilitation, including:

  • Phase one: Rehabilitation starts in the hospital where the care team will help educate you about heart disease and gradually introduce you to exercise and prepare you to go home.
  • Phase two: After you leave the hospital, the Cardiac Rehabilitation team will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Through active participation and counseling on exercise, nutrition, heart disease, stress and emotional well-being, you will learn how to improve your physical health, regain your strength and reduce your risk for future heart issues.
  • Phase three: Enables you to build on your progress from phase two with preventive education, rehabilitation support and continued physical activity.

Please note: All phases require physician prescriptions. Insurance coverage options vary by phase.

For more information, please refer to our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (PDF).

Heart Failure Program

The HonorHealth Heart Failure Program enhances awareness and understanding to help you manage your chronic disease diagnosis. The program begins two weeks following hospital admission for heart failure, offering eight one-hour education sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including:

  • Exercise and Activity for the Heart Failure Patient
  • Nutrition 101
  • All about Sodium
  • Living Well with Congestive Heart Failure
  • Congestive Heart Failure Medications – Be the Expert
  • Symptoms – Be Your Own Case Manager
  • Mind – Body – Connection
  • How the Heart Works
An HonorHealth employee helps a patient with rehab

Each session includes a review of new medical issues and a brief patient assessment, including weight, vital signs, edema evaluation, fatigue scale assessment, medication reconciliation and glucose check (if you are diabetic).

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

The HonorHealth Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to improve the health and well-being of patients with chronic breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our elite team, consisting of pulmonologists, exercise physiologists, respiratory therapists, social workers and mental health counselors, will partner with you to create a personalized care plan to help you participate in activities with less shortness of breath and equip you with ways to effectively manage your condition.

The program includes:

  • An evaluation and assessment to understand baseline activity and breathing capacity levels at the start and end of the program
  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
  • Resistive exercises to improve muscle strength, balance and endurance
  • Aerobic training on various modalities, such as stationary bicycles, treadmills, etc.
  • Group support as well as individual coaching and supervision
  • Patient and family education, including disease management tools
  • Group and 1:1 stress management
  • Group and individual emotional and social counseling support
  • Breathing exercises to improve lung function
  • Nutritional counseling 

Please note: The HonorHealth Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is currently only available at the HonorHealth Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab – John C. Lincoln location.