Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute (CMHVI) cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs joined together to offer a unified program that ensures exceptional care for all of our patients. Each program has some differences, but by cross-training the team members and combining their knowledge and skills, we have developed a stronger program for patients requiring rehabilitation.

The combined cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team guides each patient and their family/significant other in an effort to achieve a good quality of life. The program is held on the first floor of the Young wing in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Programs

CMHVI’s cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs are accredited by the AACVPR (American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation). For more than twenty five years the CMHVI’s Cardiac Rehab team members have been active in helping members of our community take control of their cardiovascular health.

For the Cardiac Patient

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program to help heart patients recover by developing an individualized plan that provides evaluation and instruction on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and other health related areas as needed. Cardiac rehabilitation has a positive effect in the quality of life that patients can achieve when recovering from:

• Heart attack
• Angina
• Coronary artery angioplasty or stents
• Open heart surgery such as coronary bypass or valve surgery
• Heart failure
• Heart transplantation

Benefits of the Cardiac Program

Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to make a significant difference in the lives of cardiac patients through decreasing risks, increased strength and stamina, and improved self-confidence and well-being.

Mended hearts™ is a patient run support group affiliated with the American Heart Association and dedicated to inspiring hope for heart disease patients and their families. Mended Hearts™ offers support and encouragement through its visiting program, monthly meetings and educational forums. The chapter meets at 5:00pm on the second Thursday of each month. For more information call: (207) 795-8230.

For the Pulmonary Patient

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program. It includes an exercise and educational piece that is designed to help all patients with lung disease improve their quality of life. This program provides great benefits to patients with:

• COPD
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Other lung conditions

To enter the program, you must have lung disease or other medical condition that causes you to have an abnormal breathing test, and difficulty breathing when performing necessary daily activities. Participants enjoy the benefits of both an individualized exercise routine and group educational sessions.

Benefits of the Pulmonary Program

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps you to understand and manage your disease and be less tired and breathless while performing daily tasks.

Better Breathers Club

CMMC is host to the local Better Breathers Club, which is a welcoming support group for individuals with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, and their caregivers.  The group assists others to learn better ways to better cope with lung disease while getting the support of others in similar situations. Led by a trained facilitator, these in-person adult support groups give you the tools you need to live the best quality of life you can.

Happy Hearts & Lungs

Upon completion of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, many patients choose to sustain the improvements made in their health by enrolling in our happy hearts & lungs program, housed in the YMCA at CMMC for a monthly fee.

Cardiopulmonary Referrals

To enter our cardiopulmonary program you will need to obtain a referral from your physician; however, we encourage you to call us at (207) 795-8225 for assistance in accessing our services or to answer any questions you may have about our program.