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Cardiac Rehab: Giving Your Heart Some Love

2,129 views · Published 29 December 2014 · 1:54 · Indexed 29 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2014 · Science & Technology

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Mending a broken heart takes some extra love.  When it comes to many of the most common heart ailments, cardiac rehab programs are just what the doctor ordered.

“We have them warm up first, by doing a couple of laps around the gym. Then we go ahead and put them on some cardio equipment such as a treadmill, a recumbent bike, new step, rowing machine,” explains exercise physiologist Rosa Godoy. She is on staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

Under the guidance of trained professionals, cardiac patients are put through the paces, strengthening their hearts and their confidence.

“Cardiac rehab is a comprehensive program for heart patients. We do a lot of work with patients regarding their diet and the risk factors for heart disease. Smoking cessation, weight loss,” says Marian Harris-Barter a registered nurse also with Lee Memorial Health System. “We can help them with that, because we see them three times a week.”

Even the best program only works when it’s being utilized. Nationwide, only about 30% of those who are eligible take advantage. The 3-month program is covered by Medicare and studies show it cuts in half the chance of a fatal heart incident over the following six years.

“Bypass surgery, valve surgery, stents, a heart attack- myocardial infarction and now heart failure can be referred to this program. And it’s really a great part of their therapy and their progression,” says Harris-Barter.

With each step of the process, patients grow stronger.

“We notice that they’re able to sustain the exercise more easily. They improve with their endurance and their stamina,” says Godoy.

Giving your heart some TLC, helps keep it happy and healthy.

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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