Building the Road to a Healthy Heart

 Do you know what the No. 1 health threat is in this country?

Many do not realize that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States, for both men and women, claiming more lives each year than the next five leading causes of death — cancer, respiratory diseases, accidents, diabetes, and influenza and pneumonia — combined. In addition, stroke is the leading cause of severe long-term disability.

At Monmouth Medical Center, our reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care has led to some exciting developments for our community and the fight against the devastating effects of heart disease.

In fact, the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Monmouth Medical Center is the first to be certified in both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. AACVPR is a national, multidisciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve. Certification recognizes those programs rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of care, and Monmouth Medical Center offers the first and only facility in Monmouth County to be certified for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

At Monmouth, the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center is designed for individuals recovering from heart and lung disease, as well as those seeking services that will help them learn how to improve their cardiovascular health through disease prevention and health promotion. Our newly designed facility in the spacious Maysie Stroock Pavilion features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including treadmills, arm ergometers, rowing machines and stationary bicycles. Our highly specialized staff works closely with you and your patient in developing exercise programs that meet his or her individual needs. Workouts are conducted under the supervision of registered nurses specially trained in coronary and pulmonary care. These professionals monitor each person’s vital signs to measure the body's response to the exercise.

Most people affected by coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease would benefit from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. This rehabilitation improves health and quality of life, reduces risk of recurrence, reduces the use of health care resources and teaches participants how to achieve an optimal level of independence.