Preventive Cardiology / Cardiac Rehabilitation
Program Overview
The Preventive Cardiology programs at the Boston Medical Center offer a wide range of services for persons who have, or are at risk for developing, heart disease.
Our multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Program has been certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and provides a comprehensive approach to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of future cardiac events for each patient. Exercise training, nutrition and weight management, smoking cessation, and cholesterol management are all part of a customized program to address the individual needs and priorities of each patient.
Who is eligible:
- Patients who have recently had a heart attack, coronary artery disease, valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, coronary angioplasty, stent, class 2-3 heart failure or heart transplant may all benefit from cardiac rehabilitation. For questions regarding eligibility, call Carol McNally, RN at (617) 638-8788.
- Patients may join the program as soon as possible after an event.
- Spanish -speaking patients are welcome to attend one of our daily classes dedicated to the needs of Latino patients and directed by our bilingual staff.
- Non-English speaking patients are fully accommodated with the assistance of our robust translator services at Boston Medical Center.
Length of program:
- The number of visits and program length are determined by individual goals and personal schedules. A typical program consists of two to three 1-hour sessions per week for 12 to 18 weeks.
- A personalized web-based support system is available to help each individual patient to attain their program goals.
- Patients work closely with our staff to gradually transition from supervised exercise at our center to independent exercise at home or at a convenient fitness facility
- A 3-month transition program is also available to interested participants who wish to extend their time in cardiac rehabilitation.
We provide each patient with:
- Initial assessment by a cardiologist
- Exercise stress testing
- Supervised exercise training
- Nutrition evaluation and weight management
- Cholesterol screening and management
- Smoking cessation
- Risk factor modification and education
- Periodic reports to referring physicians.
How to join:
- Patients are referred to the program by their primary health care provider or cardiologist.
- Interested patients should contact their health care provider regarding their desire to enroll in the program.
- Patients and providers are encouraged to contact the program directly to find out more information. Call Carol McNally, RN at (617) 638-8788
Cost:
Cardiac Rehabilitation is covered by all types of insurance for patients that have a qualifying diagnosis. Specific insurance benefits determine whether a copayment is needed.
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Contact Us
The Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Program is located at Boston Medical Center's Cardiovascular Center, a state-of-the-art facility at 732 Harrison Avenue (4th floor). Please call Carol McNally, RN (617) 638-8788 for more information.
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Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team brings their energy and talents to provide patients with a comprehensive program in a safe and friendly environment. Our exercise physiology staff combines their knowledge in exercise science with their skills in health coaching, and work collaboratively with each member of our team, and directly with your health care providers.
Gary Balady, MD
Director, Preventive Cardiology
Carol McNally, RN
Program Coordinator
Stephanie Zombeck, MS
Chief Exercise Physiologist
Rosa Arroyo, BS
Exercise Physiologist
Elisabeth Wareham, BS
Exercise Physiologist
Anette Vehus, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietician
Lipid Clinic
The Lipid Clinic serves to help prevent the onset or worsening of cardiovascular disease by evaluating and managing high cholesterol and blood lipid levels. Our multidisciplinary staff includes physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nutritionists from the Sections of Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nutrition at Boston Medical Center. Our staff members work closely with each patient's primary care provider. Patients receive an individualized program of medical therapy, nutritional counseling, education and monitoring.
Our Team
Gary Balady, MD
Director, Preventive Cardiology
Robert Eberhardt, MD
Anette Vehus, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietician
Contact Us: BMC Lipid Clinic at the Cardiovascular Center (617) 638-7490
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AREAS OF EXPERTISE
