Making a Move for Heart Health

EXERCISE, DIET CRITICAL COMPONENTS
FOR CARDIAC REHABILITATION PATIENTS

COVINGTON - Vann Stutts had three stents placed in his heart in early 2014 after tightness in his chest prompted a visit to a cardiologist.

Trim and active at 6-feet and 175 pounds, the 70-year-old Stutts was surprised to learn that one of his coronary arteries was almost completely blocked.

But he considers himself a lucky man.

“I was fortunate not to need bypass surgery or have a heart attack,” said Stutts, a retired civil engineer who lives in Covington.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation department recently expanded services at the Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion to give patients like Stutts more opportunity to improve their health.

Recently introduced Phase 3 classes are taught three afternoons a week in addition to the existing morning classes at the West St. Tammany YMCA. The department also now offers three-day-a-week exercise classes for patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Cardiac rehab at STPH has become a central focus for Stutts in the months since his procedure. He completed 36 sessions of Phase 2 cardiac rehab before joining the new Phase 3 maintenance program this summer.

He said he likes the timing of the afternoon sessions, where the rowing machine and treadmill are among his favorite equipment choices.

“I’m absolutely feeling better,” Stutts said.

Even modest changes in diet and exercise can make a big difference in the health and wellbeing of cardiac patients.

For instance, walking 30 minutes three times a week is tremendously beneficial to cardiac health, said Michael Sanchez, a registered nurse in STPH’s cardiac rehab department. Daily exercise broken up into shorter sessions of 10 or 15 minutes is equally beneficial, he said.

“It’s not necessary to do vigorous exercise; just get moving,” Sanchez said.

Small changes in diet such as reducing salt, fat and sugar also can significantly improve heart health, said Jan Tridico, STPH cardiac rehab coordinator.

Obesity and diabetes are notable risk factors for heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight and controlling diabetes also are crucial, she added. Smoking cessation is another critical step.

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CARDIAC REHAB: PHASE III

What: St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Phase III program is designed to help individuals acquire the skills and knowledge needed to work toward a lifetime of heart disease management and prevention. The program is built around the participant’s age, current level of conditioning, physical limitations and health history.
Who: Anyone with a history of heart disease or those with risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons
Where: Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Highway 1085, Covington
Cost: $35 for orientation; each session is $4

PAD EXERCISE PROGRAM

What: Healthy Steps is a comprehensive exercise training program for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), to improve symptoms and increase each their quality of life.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Where: Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Highway 1085, Covington
Cost: $35 for orientation; each session is $4

EDUCATION

Cardiac Rehab hosts free community classes on topics including early warning signs of a heart attack, preparing for a cardiac emergency, risk factors for heart disease, benefits of exercise, nutrition for a healthy heart, weight management, medications and stress management. 

When: Nov. 13 and Jan. 8
Where: Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Highway 1085, Covington
Cost: Free, and lunch is included

For more information, call 985-898-3780