Heart Health Recovery: The Power of Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac rehab is not something most people think about until they need it. Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program designed to help improve your cardiovascular health after you have experienced a cardiac event or surgery.

For Kirby Josephson and Jeannette Mertens, both of Redwood Falls, they had never heard of cardiac rehab, until heart surgery and a heart attack led each to the program. Kirby and Jeannette share their experiences, and the significant role cardiac rehab can play in heart health.

Cardiac Rehab After Open Heart Surgery

Kirby Josephson has always been an active person, but one month after hiking mountains with his kids, his primary care physician, Dr. Josh Friese, found a heart murmur during his annual physical.

"I had limited symptoms, but it required open heart surgery," Kirby said.

In November of 2023, Kirby underwent open heart surgery at CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital to repair a valve in his heart.

"The first 10 days were rough. I lost a lot of strength. I started cardiac rehab a couple of weeks after my surgery."

According to Kirby, he was not familiar with the cardiac rehab program and didn't realize it was offered at CentraCare - Redwood. His cardiologist referred him to cardiac rehab, and he was happy to hear he could complete it close to his home.

"I started the program in December of 2023. I went three times a week for two months. They (nurses) would hook me up to the heart monitors, then I would start exercising on a bike or treadmill. That way they could gauge how hard my heart was working," Kirby said. "I was not used to being so weak, but the nurses, Ann and Kimary, they were so encouraging. And it gave me confidence knowing I was hooked up and being monitored. I don't think I would have progressed and healed rapidly if I hadn't done cardiac rehab. I probably would have pushed myself too hard, or not enough."

Kirby appreciated the exercises to do at home that Ann and Kimary provided him as well. He graduated from the cardiac rehab program after three months. It took him an additional two to three months to get his strength back to do his normal activities. Kirby knew he needed to keep up his strength and continued exercising at the gym at least two times a week and getting 10,000 steps in a day.

"My experience reinforces the importance of staying active as we get older," Kirby said.

"And make sure to stay on top of your annual physicals! Now that my heart is fixed, I have confidence to do more things again."

Cardiac Rehab After Heart Attack

For Jeannette Mertens, a heart attack and STENT placement in December of 2023 brought her to CentraCare - Redwood's cardiac rehab program.

"The cardiologist mentioned cardiac rehab as an option while I was in St. Cloud. My daughter-in-law strongly encouraged me to do it," Jeannette said. "I had no idea what cardiac rehab was, so I was a little uncomfortable at first."

"Most days I would exercise on the bike or other machines or walk around the track. Ann and Kimary would check my blood pressure when I arrived, during the exercise and before I left. It was nice knowing they were there supporting me. I felt so good when I would get done there; I was sad when it was done."

Jeannette bought herself an exercise bike for home and has changed her eating habits to stay active and healthy.

Cardiac Rehab Team

Registered nurses Ann Schiller and Kimary Tiffany lead the cardiac rehab program at CentraCare - Redwood. According to Ann and Kimary, if you have had a heart attack, cardiac surgery such as coronary bypass, valve surgery, stent placement or heart failure, you are eligible to participate in cardiac rehab.

"The program is tailored to each patient's diagnosis and physical abilities. We offer cardiovascular exercise such as seated bikes and treadmill, along with strength training. We also provide education on heart health through the sessions," Ann said.

Both Kirby and Jeanette agree, the cardiac rehab team at CentraCare - Redwood is the best.

"Ann and Kimary are both great. They are both very encouraging and supportive. They are talkative and fun to talk with! This program is great and worth having in Redwood," said Kirby.

"They are awesome," said Jeannette. "I couldn't have asked for two better people to work with me. I would encourage anyone in need of cardiac rehab to do it! It helps so much with recovery."

If you are looking for ways to improve your cardiovascular health, Ann and Kimary recommend checking out The American Heart Association's "Life's Essential 8" webpage.