February 10, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – February is American Heart Month, and CHRISTUS Health is focused on all matters of the heart, including the importance of cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event
or surgery, what it entails and how it benefits patients.
People who participate in a 36-week rehab program have a 47% lower risk of death and 31%
lower risk of heart attack than those who attend only one session, according One Million Hearts,
a national campaign co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services, aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease occurrences nationwide.
“Not only does cardiac rehab reduce your risk of future cardiac events and improve your heart,
but it includes valuable education for patients,” said Britney Caldwell, a cardiac rehab nurse at
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “The education involved is valuable, as
it educates our patients on how to take care of their heart when they are away from the hospital.”
Patients in cardiac rehab programs must be referred by a physician. Once in the program,
patients learn about weight and medication management, receive diet consultations and are
monitored for blood pressure and lipid levels to ensure their rehab plan is effective.
Jeromy O’dell, 53, was referred for cardiac rehab in 2024 after undergoing a cardiac procedure.
He recently completed the recommended 36-sesson program, which consisted of three sessions a
week at 30 minutes, minimum, per session.
“I had such a great experience with my rehab program,” O’dell said. “There are times where it
can be tough but knowing the benefits of rehab and having the experience I did, I would
recommend to anyone who needs it.”
Despite the benefits, cardiac rehab remains underutilized, particularly among women and
minorities, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). AHA reports that only 19-34%
of patients participate in a cardiac rehab program.
“I have had patients before telling me, ‘I am too old to start, or I can’t work these machines’ as
we discuss a rehab program,” said Caldwell. “We find that once we can get patients to rehab,
introduce them to the program, they realize how great it makes them feel and they want to
continue.”
Caldwell said there are programs to help mitigate some of the barriers that may prevent a patient
from participating in rehab, adding “We know everyone is different, so every plan is
individualized to maximize our patients’ abilities. We congratulate anyone who shows up and
takes control of their heart health.”
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