The Los Alamos Medical Center Cardio-Rehab Team from left, Miyuki Coombs, Barbara Blair and Euphrasia Romero. Also on the team is Ivanka Velisavljevic (not pictured). Courtesy photoLAMC News:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. claiming more than 500,000 lives in this country annually.
An additional 1,500,000 Americans suffer heart attacks, often striking individuals in their most productive years.
- Pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in this nation.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly two million Americans and asthma more than 12 million.
- Preventive and rehabilitative care reduces the need for hospitalization and improves survival.
- Changes in diet, exercise or smoking habits may prevent or decrease the severity or reoccurrence of health problems and return the patient to a high degree of functionality.
The Cardio-Rehab Program at Los Alamos Medical Center
The program at LAMC began in April 1979, with sponsorship by the Los Alamos Heart Council. The program was dedicated to the memory of Anna K. Smith, a Los Alamos resident whose desire was to help people with heart disease. In 1989, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was added.
Who Can Participate in the LAMC Cardio-Rehab Program?
- Anyone with heart disease: Anyone who suffers from heart problems such as heart attack, angina, coronary bypass surgery, PTCA, stents, Congestive Heart Failure, and others.
- Anyone with lung disease: Anyone who suffers from lung problems such as COPD, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension and other lung diseases.
- Anyone with known risk factors for heart or lung disease.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in the LAMC Cardio-Rehab Program?
By participating in the Cardio-Rehab Program you can reduce or eliminate multiple risk factors contributing to heart disease and lung problems. Through the program you can:
- Help the heart and lungs become more efficient, so that you can perform more activity with less effort.
- Help control blood pressure and cholesterol level.
- Help control body weight and blood sugar level.
- Help reduce stress levels and improve activity levels.
- Help improve quality of life.
- Help reduce hospitalizations.
Individuals who participate in the LAMC Cardio-Rehab program work closely with trained health professionals who are readily available to answer questions and provide guidance.
They will monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG rhythm, oxygen saturation, and response to exercise.
This can help with early detection of health problems. They also provide educational classes on a variety of topics are conducted to promote better understanding of disease process and prevention of further health problems.
They are also there to improve motivation for a healthier lifestyle. Working regularly with the Cardio-Rehab team provides psycho-social support – patient and family can develop a support network with other participants with similar problems.
How Can I Join the Program?
A health care provider referral is required. Talk to your provider and/or call us at 505.661.9101.
