About the program
Recovering from cardiovascular disease is often difficult and requires a long-term commitment to change. Patients need the support of loved ones and the expertise of professionals who care. Duke offers a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program for those recovering from a cardiovascular event, including heart attack, angina, angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery.

A part of the renowned Duke University Medical Center, the cardiac rehab program draws upon a multidisciplinary team of physicians, exercise physiologists, physician assistants, nurses, nutritionists, and psychologists. Since 1976, the rehab program has helped thousands of cardiac patients overcome disabling cardiac events and return to a full, active life.

Getting started
The program is designed to progress you rapidly from a cardiac event or hospitalization to the point where you can return to work, pursue your favorite activities and live a healthier life. Located on the Duke Center for Living campus, our program begins with physical rehabilitation and includes psychological support, nutrition modification and education, and lifestyle counseling - all aimed at helping you to help yourself.

You will participate in medically supervised exercise sessions along with others that have had similar cardiac problems. Our medical staff will supervise these sessions and train you on how to safely monitor your own exercise program.

Moving forward in the program
Comprehensive nutrition classes teach you how to lower your intake of fat, cholesterol and sodium while eating foods that fit into your lifestyle. We discuss the importance of diet and health, how to read food labels and keep you abreast of the latest findings in nutrition research. We also offer stress management and behavioral classes, a support group, and encourage participation in meditation, yoga and tai chi classes. You may schedule individual consultations with the psychologist to help you adjust and maintain lifestyle changes, manage stress, break habits and overcome barriers that stand between you and a healthier life.

Our weekly Wellness Lecture Series provides comprehensive education in the areas of medicine, health and fitness. The lectures are presented by a variety of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, nurses and nutritionists.

Reaching your goals and maintaining your new, healthy lifestyle One of our goals is to help you begin a long-term, self-directed program of exercise and lifestyle change. This can be done simply by incorporating the changes at home, in your local gym or continuing as a member of the Health & Fitness Center.

Program fees
The cardiac rehab program is certified by the State of North Carolina and follows the North Carolina Cardiac Rehabilitation guidelines enabling participants to qualify for Medicare and major medical insurance coverage. We will work with your provider to determine coverage.

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Duke, call (919) 660-6724, 660-6653 or 660-6758.