Cardiac Rehabilitation

The cardiac rehabilitation program at Starr Regional Medical Center is designed to support your individual journey to a healthier heart. If you're worried about your risk for heart disease, or you are recovering from a heart event, our staff is ready to support you. We offer a welcoming, supportive environment and an individualized approach to nutrition and exercise tailored to your lifestyle.

Treatment can begin in the hospital following a heart event, or after discharge. Talk to your provider about joining our cardiac rehabilitation program. Most insurance plans partially or fully cover the cost of this service.

You may qualify for cardiac rehabilitation if you have experienced any of the following:

• • • A heart attack (also known as a “myocardial infarction”) in the past 12 months
    • Coronary Bypass Surgery
    • Valve replacement or repair
    • Angioplasty or “stent” placement
    • Heart transplant
    • Stable chest pain (also known as stable angina)
    • Congestive heart failure

Cardiac rehabilitation services include:

• • • Fitness program to strengthen heart health
    • Nutrition counseling
    • Psychological counseling
    • Weight management
    • Stress management
    • Smoking cessation
    • Diabetes education
    • Support groups

Quality Heart Care, Close to Home

Meet Ron Wright: Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient

Ron Wright began the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Starr Regional Medical Center following two heart attacks. The program has been a great resource for him physically, mentally and emotionally.

“The cardiac rehab program has been extremely beneficial for me,” said Ron. “I suffered from PTSD following my second heart attack. The rehab staff have been there from the beginning to talk me through my fears and get me on the right track. They are absolutely phenomenal.”

“For me, one of the best things about rehab is the friendships. We are all there for the same reason, so we support one another. We care for one another; we’re like a big family.”

Ron completed the rehab program and has continued on the Maintenance Program for more than a year. “You don’t realize how much the program is really helping until you have to miss for a bit,” he said. “I have noticed that it has helped me to regain my strength. I always try to challenge myself and do a bit more, but I recently had to miss a few sessions and noticed when I returned that I couldn’t do as much as I had been doing. I’m glad this program is here in Athens. It really has helped me so much.”

Meet Lea Anna Moore: Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient

In April 2022, Lea Anna Moore underwent cardiac catheterization on a Wednesday and had triple bypass surgery on Friday at a hospital in Nashville, Tenn. Following her recovery, Lea Anna, who lives in Spring City, Tenn., was referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Starr Regional Medical Center.

“Before my heart surgery, I had not stayed in a hospital overnight for any type of procedure and participating in cardiac rehab made me nervous; it’s not something I’m familiar with,” said Lea Anna. “My first day at cardiac rehab I was so nervous. I really didn’t know how scared I was until they checked my blood pressure and it was higher than normal. Immediately the staff helped to calm me down and put me at ease. The program has been a really good experience for me and I have nothing but good things to say about everyone there.”

Moore recently completed the rehab program recommended by her healthcare provider and is now continuing to participate in the Maintenance Program, which allows her to continue participating in regular exercise that is supervised by the Cardiac Rehab staff. She also receives regular blood pressure checks, evaluations and heart rate monitoring.

“I don’t have to go to rehab. I could do the exercises in my home, but I’m choosing to go because the staff makes me feel so comfortable and confident, and they are always there to answer my questions. I don’t work outside of my home, so it is a great opportunity for me to socialize, too.”

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certified Program

Starr Regional Medical Center received Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Our program is recognized as a leader in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. We are dedicated to helping people with cardiovascular and pulmonary problems recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.