Kershaw Health

Cardiac Rehabilitation 

Anyone who has experienced a heart attack or had coronary surgery knows the fear, uncertainty and confusion that heart disease causes.

Why did I have a heart attack? Will I be able to return to activities I enjoy? Can I avoid another heart attack or more surgery? How can I regain my health?

Kershaw Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to address all these issues. This program helps people with coronary artery disease achieve the highest possible level of health through a progressive, multi-faceted approach that includes medical monitoring, exercise, diet, stress management, smoking cessation, and health education.

Four-Phased Program

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at KershawHealth Medical Center consists of four phases that recognize the progress a person with coronary artery disease experiences during recovery.

Phase I is the briefest phase, usually lasting only a few days while the person is in the medical center following a heart attack or surgery. This phase helps a person understand what has happened and the steps needed to recover. 

Phase II lasts about three months. Phase III is medically-monitored and lasts for the length of time prescribed by a physician. Finally, there is a fourth phase designed to aid in a lifetime of heart healthy living. This phase, which is not medically-monitored, is also ordered by a physician and can last for a prolonged period. All participants are urged to complete phases I and II, which are covered by many commercial insurance policies. Phases III and IV are recommended as well, but are self-pay.

All program participants receive a thorough medical evaluation upon entering the program and are continually monitored by the program’s staff under the direction of a cardiologist. Throughout the program, participants take part in an increasingly active exercise program, while they learn about heart healthy diets, managing stress and how to stop smoking.

Multi-faceted Program 

Exercise is a key element in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Stationary bicycles, treadmills, arm ergometers and wall weights help restore fitness. During Phase II, participants are monitored continuously during workouts, while in subsequent phases monitoring is done at regular intervals.

Diet education helps control weight, while encouraging heart healthy eating habits.

One of the leading risk factors for coronary artery disease is stress, and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helps participants deal with stress through relaxation techniques and stress management classes.

Smoking cessation classes are offered for participants who need to kick the habit.

A wide range of topics are covered to help participants learn about coronary artery disease, risk factors for the disease and how those factors can be reduced. Closely related to the educational aspects of the program are counseling and group interaction that provide support needed for success on the long road to recovery.

Participants in the program often develop close ties to each other and to the staff while in the program.

Program Staff 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program requires the efforts of a diverse group of professionals working together as a team. The talents of a cardiologist, nurse coordinator, dietician, vocational rehabilitation counselor, exercise physiologist and psychologist are all required to meet the program’s objectives.

Referrals and First Interview

A physician’s referral is required to participate in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at KershawHealth.

Following the referral, an initial interview will be scheduled. There is no charge for this initial interview, which lasts for approximately one hour. When you arrive for the interview, you can go straight to the Cardiac Rehab Department at the medical center. There is no need to stop at Registration.

Location

KershawHealth Medical Center
Haile and Roberts Streets
Camden, SC

Contact Information

Gail Branham
Program Director
gbranham@kershawhealth.org             803-713-6148 or 803-713-6145