The Cardiac Wellness Program at St. Mary's is a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program specifically prescribed to patients who have been hospitalized for coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart attack, coronary artery bypass, angioplasty/stents, or are being treated for angina. A program is also available on a self-pay basis for those who have risk factors for CAD such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, stress and sedentary lifestyle.

After individual assessment and goal setting sessions with an inter-disciplinary team that includes a cardiologist, registered nurse, dietitian and exercise specialist, participants attend 13 weekly, 3-hour clinics. The weekly session includes monitored exercise, relaxation techniques w/ stress management and a lecture or discussion. Patients may attend additional weekly exercise sessions to meet individual need and schedules or choose a less comprehensive program, attending 1-hour exercise sessions up to 3 times a week without the 3-hour clinic. While continuing medical treatment with their physician, we correspond regularly to achieve optimal coronary health and healing.

The Cardiac Wellness Program at St. Mary's Hospital is affiliated with the Benson-Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine in Boston under the direction of Dr. Herbert Benson. St. Mary’s also offers a Mind Body weight loss clinic, Lighten-Up, several times a year. Lighten-Up provides interdisciplinary support to participants desiring to make commit to lifestyle modification.

Research shows that these programs are successful in helping patients when they participate regularly and follow through with lifestyle changes.

For more information about Cardiac Wellness or Lighten-Up, call (804)287-7155.