Cardiac Rehabilitation - Dignity Health - Mercy San Juan Medical Center

The cardiac rehabilitation team at Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center helps people recover from a range of heart events and procedures, including: 

• Angina

• Angioplasty (coronary and peripheral) 

• Atherectomy

• Coronary artery disease

• Coronary stents

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

• Surgical procedures, including coronary artery bypass surgery

Cardiovascular rehabilitation includes supervised exercise and education on heart health. We tailor your program to your individual needs, including managing risk factors, stress, diet and exercise. Our experienced team helps support healthy lifestyle changes and may help you prevent future hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease and related complications.

A team of cardiovascular specialists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, pharmacists and social workers work together to help you reach your goals. For seamless, connected care throughout the program, our team also works closely with your referring doctors, including:

• Cardiologists

• Cardiovascular surgeons

• Primary care providers

• Thoracic surgeons

• Vascular surgeons

Our cardiovascular rehab specialists supervise a variety of classes, covering topics such as:

• Anatomy and physiology of the heart, including cardiovascular procedures and surgery

• Coronary risk factor modification

• Diabetes management

• Diet and nutrition

• Emotions and heart disease

• Exercise

• Medications

• Stress management

The classes supervised by our cardiovascular and exercise rehab specialists help you learn how to strengthen and protect your heart. During your exercise session, you will:

• Learn your resting and exercise blood pressure and heart rate

• Wear an EKG monitor to track your heart rate and rhythm

• Learn how much rest you need to stay safe

• Receive help monitoring blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels (as needed for diabetes or other health concerns)

Understanding signs and symptoms and making simple lifestyle changes are essential to heart health and helping prevent heart disease. If you experience any symptoms, it is important to see a cardiologist for support. For emergencies, always call 911 or head to the nearest ER. 

Common heart disease warning signs can look different in men and women. In men, heart disease warning signs include:

• Chest discomfort

• Fatigue or weakness

• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the legs or feet

In women, heart disease warning signs include:

• Abdominal pain or heartburn

• Nausea

• Neck, jaw, shoulder or upper back pain

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating and dizziness

• Unusual fatigue

Heart disease can affect anyone, and learning more about factors commonly associated with heart health may help you make informed decisions. Our online heart health questionnaire offers a simple way to explore these factors. Answer a few questions about your health history and lifestyle to receive personalized insights about your potential risk factors. These insights are designed to support conversations with your health care provider about heart health and preventive care.

Take our heart health questionnaire

Most health insurance plans cover cardiac rehabilitation. Coverage can vary based on your plan, provider network and whether a referral is required. Our cardiac rehabilitation program staff can help verify insurance coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before your appointment, so you can focus on your care. If you have questions, call our team at (916) 537-5296.

You need a referral from your cardiovascular specialist to be eligible for our cardiac rehabilitation program. Other eligibility criteria include being diagnosed with coronary artery disease or recently having had a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or a procedure such as heart surgery. If you have questions about eligibility or referrals, call our team at (916) 537-5296.