CHRISTUS Heart Month Focus: Importance of cardiac rehab for patients
(EAST TEXAS) – February is American Heart Month, and CHRISTUS Health is focused on all matters of the heart, including the importance of cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event or surgery, what it entails and how it benefits patients. People who participate in a 36-week rehab program have a 47% lower risk of death and 31% lower risk of heart attack than those who attend only one session, according One Million Hearts, a national campaign co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease occurrences nationwide. “Not only does cardiac rehab reduce your risk of future cardiac events and improve your heart, but it includes valuable education for patients,” said Britney Caldwell, a cardiac rehab nurse at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “The education involved is valuable, as it educates our patients on how to take care of their heart when they are away from the hospital.” Patients in cardiac rehab programs must be referred by a physician. Once in the program, patients learn about weight and medication management, receive diet consultations and are monitored for blood pressure and lipid levels to ensure their rehab plan is effective. Jeromy O’dell, 53, was referred for cardiac rehab in 2024 after undergoing a cardiac procedure. He recently completed the recommended 36-sesson program, which consisted of three sessions a week at 30 minutes, minimum, per session. “I had such a great experience with my rehab program,” O’dell said. “There are times where it can be tough but knowing the benefits of rehab and having the experience I did, I would recommend to anyone who needs it.”Despite the benefits, cardiac rehab remains underutilized, particularly among women and minorities, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). AHA reports that only 19-34% of patients participate in a cardiac rehab program. “I have had patients before telling me, ‘I am too old to start, or I can’t work these machines’ as we discuss a rehab program,” said Caldwell. “We find that once we can get patients to rehab, introduce them to the program, they realize how great it makes them feel and they want to continue.” Caldwell said there are programs to help mitigate some of the barriers that may prevent a patient from participating in rehab, adding “We know everyone is different, so every plan is ndividualized to maximize our patients’ abilities. We congratulate anyone who shows up and takes control of their heart health.”
About CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System
As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System is a faith-
based, not-for-profit health system serving the northeast Texas community with eight hospitals
and multiple primary and immediate care facilities and health and wellness centers with nearly
10,000 Associates. We specialize in cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, sports
medicine, mother/baby services, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, trauma, stroke care, surgery
and women’s health. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston,
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we
serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.
