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Iredell Health System is celebrating its Cardiac Rehabilitation team during National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, February 10-16. The week recognizes the positive impacts cardiac rehabilitation makes in improving the health and physical performance of those with heart disease or dysfunction.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Week coincides with American Heart Month, drawing greater attention to heart health. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary and medically supervised program designed to restore those afflicted with heart disease to live full and productive lives. The celebratory week honors the patients, families and healthcare professionals dedicated to using cardiac rehabilitation to help achieve a healthy lifestyle.

The Iredell Health System Cardiac Rehabilitation team treats both the heart and whole person whose disease has affected many aspects of life. Its individualized exercise program improves the functional capacity of the heart and lungs. It provides detection of problems and potential complications, helps patients return to work, and can prevent other cardiovascular events.

“There is nothing better than walking alongside people as they recover from life-changing experiences,” said Lisa Warren, Iredell Health System’s cardiac rehabilitation director. “Folks come to us unsure of what their future holds. Through their participation in cardiac rehab, we watch them regain their confidence and better their lives.”

The program’s education, guidelines, and individualized consultation for patients and family members focus on physical activity, nutrition, medications, heart anatomy, and stress. Team members help patients recognize signs and symptoms, manage weight, achieve healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decrease anxiety, fear, and depression.

“Our patients find comfort in each other by sharing stories and successes. The camaraderie and sense of community among patients and staff can be felt daily as patients congregate at the gym roundtable,” said Warren.

Currently assisting 50 enrolled patients, the team works closely with program participants and their personal physicians to promote optimal recovery. The team has more than 150 years combined experience, and includes four registered nurses, two exercise physiologists, two exercise specialists, a respiratory therapist, a dietitian, a licensed counselor, and an administrative assistant.

“I could not be more proud of our team members. They exhibit compassion for those they serve and for each other,” Warren said. “They truly love their profession.”

Originally launched in 1982, the program is shaped around the most recent evidence which team members constantly evaluate and update.

“As more providers and patients recognize the lasting effectiveness of cardiac rehab and as participation grows, Iredell’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program is well-positioned to undertake a leading role in the long-term care of patients,” Warren said.

Back row — Front row —Latasha Ellis, LCSW; Brittany Charles, CES; Mary Nance, RN; Amy Hendry, RN; and Lisa Tate, RN. Back row — Angela Lanier, CEP; Jennifer Simmons, CEP; Angela Little, CRT; Lisa Warren, RN; and Melissa Sloan, Adm Asst.