Cardiology Services

The aim is to help people cope and manage their lifestyles after suffering a heart-related illness.  The program uses a mix of exercise and education to lead patients toward an active lifestyle where they find themselves at less of a risk for further cardiac problems or risk-free.

The program works with outpatients, some of whom are regulars and have been taking part in activities at the center for 10 years.  The average age of cardio patients in the Ball Memorial program is 76.

Patients must be referred for service by a physician, and insurance can cover the cost of the program.

Treatment is broken into three phases, with patients spending one to two hours at each session.  Regimens are based on a person's functionality and orthopedic needs:

1.  Begins while patients are recovering from a cardiac event, such as a heart attack.  An exercise regimen is established, generally beginning with walking and gradually increasing to sometimes include climbing stairs.  Activity is monitored by an exercise physiologist.

A dietician teaches the patients about lowering cholesterol, low-fat dieting, sodium restriction and weight control.  Patients also will meet with a pharmacist and, if necessary, a nicotene counselor.

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2.  Considered the first step of outpatient cardiac rehab, this phase takes place after a patient has been discharged from the hospital.  Phase 2 starts when a physician deems a patient ready to participate.

Those taking part go through an individualized exercise program and receive education tailored to their specific needs.  Patients attend sessions three days a week at scheduled times.

Staff members also will work with patients to establish a safe and effective home exercise program and recreational lifestyle.

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3.  Takes place sometime after a patient's cardiac event.  Patients participate in supervised exercise sessions where they have their blood pressure monitored, receive instruction for maintaining pulse and get documentation of exercise sessions.

Tailored sessions can include exercise on treadmills, bicycles, steppers and rowing machines.  Patients can attend sessions throughout the day.

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Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Ball Memorial Hospital

2401 W. University Ave.

Muncie, IN 47303

(765) 747-3773