Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute provides exceptional cardiac rehabilitation and care, helping thousands of patients every year enjoy longer, healthier lives. Our rehabilitation programs at the Cardiac Health Center of Morristown Medical Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program of Overlook Medical Center have received national certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for superior cardiac rehabilitation services.

Phase I – Cardiac Rehabilitation
At Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, cardiac rehabilitation actually begins when a patient is admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular treatment and immediately begins heart health education and progressive therapeutic exercise programs. Our cardiac rehabilitation programs are staffed by critical care registered nurses, exercise physiologists, cardiovascular technologists and clinical dieticians who offer a multidisciplinary approach to your recovery. After surgery or any invasive cardiac procedure, patients are guided through a personalized strength-building routine and learn about risk factor modification, medication management, and good nutrition, to build confidence and independence.

Phase II – Therapeutic Exercise Program
Following discharge, patients who have had a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, cardiac valve surgery, transplant, angioplasty, intracoronary stent placement, or ongoing stable angina are enrolled in a 12-week supervised therapeutic exercise program at the hospital that meets three times each week. Heart patients are monitored by a telemetry unit (EKG monitoring) that measures the electrical activity of the heart during exercise. Using a monitor enables staff to make adjustments to each patient's routine immediately to respond to every individual's needs. Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute's cardiac health centers are furnished with new exercise machines and monitoring equipment, such as portable heart monitors, and spacious locker rooms are available.

Phase III – Heart Health Maintenance
Comprehensive heart health maintenance programs, which incorporate independent therapeutic exercise and other healthy habits, are key to long-term progress. Patients may continue to go to one of Atlantic Health System’s hospitals for regular check-ups or use one of the local health facilities. We offer additional community-based heart health education programs on topics ranging from nutrition to stress management to counseling, as well as healthy cooking classes that patients may attend with family and friends.