2020 Outcomes - BSW Heart and Vascular Hospital fiscal year 2020 | Page 55

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Supervised exercise therapy for patients with peripheral artery disease
Carter Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation launched a new supervised exercise therapy ( SET ) program for patients with peripheral artery disease ( PAD ) during fiscal year 2020 . The program was developed in accordance with evidence-based protocols from the Vascular Disease Foundation and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation .
Patients participating in the program are encouraged to complete three exercise sessions per week supervised by an interdisciplinary team of nurses , exercise physiologists and dietitians . The goal for each patient is to reach a pain tolerance level that can be improved upon at each session in order to build strength and exercise tolerance . The program typically spans eight to 12 weeks . Exercise training has the potential to interrupt functional decline , whether leg symptoms are present or not . The lack of activity in PAD patients can cause worsening cardiovascular risk factors , loss of leg strength and eventual disability . Clinical studies show SET for PAD can help improve functional capacity , decrease painful symptoms and achieve systemic risk-reduction benefits .
Ongoing lifestyle education through Leap for Life ®
Committed to the philosophy that cardiac and pulmonary rehab patients must be lifelong learners , Carter Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation sponsors a rich roster of educational opportunities . Through the Leap for Life ® education and awareness program , sessions were held twice a month during the majority of fiscal year 2020 . In order to keep attendees safe but continue the valuable patient education during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic , the classes went virtual . Patients are encouraged to register and attend the sessions , which are also open to the public . Topics vary each month . However , all are focused on wellness , disease prevention and risk factor reduction .
For more information : BaylorHeartHospital . com / LeapforLife .
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation ( AACVPR ) certification
Carter Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center received AACVPR certification in 2018 . The certification recognizes the Center for its commitment to improving the quality of life of cardiac and pulmonary patients by enhancing standards of care . AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies . AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available . Many of the clinical team are involved in the national conference for AACVPR and have been speakers or presented posters .
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Fort Worth Carter Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
To speak to a clinician with the Carter Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program : 817.922.1702 .