HJLR Nov/Dec 2018

52 NOV / DEC 2018 I  Healthcare Journal of LITTLE ROCK For some conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), medical management, and many times, procedural/surgical inter- ventions are needed and indicated to reduce mortality, as has been shown in countless papers and research studies. It has also been shown that, following these interventions, in addition to guideline-basedmedical therapy, patients benefit from intensive cardiac re- habilitation (ICR). Referral to cardiac rehab is an AHA/ACCF class I indication for pa- tients with ACS, for patients post CABG or PCI, with chronic angina, and/or peripheral artery disease within the past year. Cardiac rehab is also a class IIa recommendation for patients with stable heart failure. 1 Arkansas Heart Hospital Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center in Little Rock proudly provides the only ICR experience in Cen- tral Arkansas. We treat a variety of patients and presenting diagnoses—including, but not limited to, angina pectoris (secondary to atherosclerotic heart disease, unspecified or with documented spasm), STEMI, NSTEMI, old MI (8 weeks to 12 months old), systolic heart failure with EF<35 percent, and any patient who has ever had coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement, or heart transplant. What makes our center unique is the comprehensive lifestyle approach to rehabilitating the patients. In our program the patients attend the same patient group 2-3 days per week. An advantage to this approach is that this consistency allows patients to have the same coach (Exercise Physiologist or Registered Nurse) for the entirety of their ICR experience—allowing that coach to get to know the patient on a personal level. This also ensures they are always under the care of someone deeply acquainted with their individual medical history and life situation. Another bonus is that the patients, over the usual treat- ment period of 36 sessions, form genuine bonds with each other and many times be- come accountability partners and friends. column cardiology EXERCISE IS OUR MEDICINE Although we have known for years the benefits of exer- cise to cardiovascular health and general overall well- being, sadly, in the initial treatment phases of conditions like hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, many patients would gladly forego the initial treatment phase of lifestyle modifications and jump right into medical management.