Cardiac Rehab: A Life-Changing Hidden Gem

Cardiac rehabilitation is one of the most transformative services offered at the Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute.

While it may not receive as much attention as other services, cardiac rehab has a proven track record of saving lives and improving health outcomes. This supervised exercise program, consisting of 36 structured sessions, helps patients recover from heart-related procedures while significantly reducing their risk of future heart problems.

Medicare and most insurance plans cover cardiac rehab for patients recovering from a variety of conditions including peripheral artery disease, valve repair and heart failure.

"After an event like a heart attack or valve surgery, there is a big fear," said Dr. Ajay Joseph, medical director of the Saint Francis cardiac rehab program. "One of the biggest benefits of cardiac rehab is to build confidence that they can go home and exercise safely."

Over the past four decades, research has consistently shown that cardiac rehab can reduce the risk of a repeat heart attack by 45%, Dr. Joseph said. Remarkably, each session lowers a patient's cardiac risk by an additional 2%, which means the longer a patient attends rehab, the more substantial their health improvements, he said.

Cardiac rehab has profoundly impacted countless lives, including that of Teddy Beach, who says the program changed his life.

Teddy Beach's journey to better health

Two years ago while living in Texas, Beach sought medical help for persistent indigestion. Despite receiving treatment from other physicians for acid reflux, his condition didn't improve. When he moved back to Oklahoma, Dr. Andrew Kelly, a family medicine physician at Warren Clinic Tulsa Hills, suspected something more serious might be causing his symptoms.

This suspicion led to a referral to Dr. Aaron Kelkhoff, a cardiologist at the Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute. Initial tests revealed a clogged artery and the need for a stent. However, further evaluation uncovered an even more serious issue: Beach required triple bypass surgery.

Under the care of Dr. Paul Kempe, a Saint Francis cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, Beach underwent successful open-heart surgery. While the surgical intervention was critical, Beach credits the cardiac rehab team with truly transforming his life after the surgery.

The power of cardiac rehab

Seven weeks after his operation, Beach began his cardiac rehab journey.

"I won't say I was without pain, but it was something I was committed to," he said.

By his eighth week of rehab, once his stitches had fully healed, Beach transitioned to the treadmill, incorporating upper body movements into his workouts. He quickly discovered he enjoyed the sessions, often wanting to continue even after completing his scheduled 40 minutes.

"I can't say enough about cardiac rehab," Beach emphasizes. "They push you because they care about you."

Cardiac rehab did more than strengthen his heart; it started Beach's complete lifestyle change. Weighing nearly 300 pounds before his heart issues, Beach adopted healthier habits, including eating more salads, cutting out restaurants, and exercising daily. These changes helped him shed more than 100 pounds.

"It used to be a chore to bend over and tie my shoes," Beach says, reflecting on how far he has come.

A world-class team

The impact of cardiac rehab isn't just physical, Dr. Joseph says. It also empowers patients emotionally and mentally, equipping them with the confidence and tools to lead healthier lives. Dr. Joseph often hears inspiring success stories like Beach's. Patients work with a dietitian, nurses and exercise physiologists in addition to building friendships with other patients who are going through heart recovery together.

"We have a fantastic team," Dr. Joseph said. "Our rehab facility is world-class. But the main thing is our team. They are really passionate about what they do because they see the impact in patients' lives."

Participants often experience improved physical fitness, better blood pressure control and reduced cholesterol levels. The program also helps alleviate anxiety and depression, common among patients recovering from major heart procedures, Dr. Joseph said.

For patients at the Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute, cardiac rehab isn't just a hidden gem—it's a lifeline that redefines what's possible after heart surgery.