Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Cardiac Rehabilitation R.N. Paula Burket helps Joyce Bassler of Roaring Spring with the settings on a NuStep seated stepper.
Editor’s note: John Kasun, who writes a monthly column for the Mirror, recently discovered the joys of cardiac rehabilitation and feels blessed to be able to share the important work being done to help people improve their heart health.
It has been said, “life is what happens while you are making plans.”
Several years ago I was setting tree stands for the upcoming bow season on a hot September day and was suddenly overcome with extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. A short time later, I was at home completely exhausted, telling my wife I needed to get in better shape.
By sheer luck, the next day I was scheduled for a yearly appointment with my cardiologist.
When he asked how I felt, I told him lousy and shortly found myself with wires stuck all over my chest. The following day I was in the hospital having my first heart stent installed to relieve a blocked artery in my heart.
Over the next few years I had three more stents inserted and last July found myself in the Conemaugh Nason Hospital Medical Center emergency room with congestive heart failure. During that visit, I received my fifth stent and was told my heart was functioning at less than 50% of normal.
Having heart problems is stressful and concerning.
Unlike a broken arm that can be placed in a cast to heal, how do you heal your heart? Some heart issues are minor, others major but all are serious and need to be addressed.
The question is, what can you do to heal your heart?
It was then I learned of a little known and hidden jewel located in the Cove — Cardiac Rehabilitation. Like many people, I was not aware of Cardiac Rehab or how it could change my life, but I learned quickly and welcome the opportunity to share what I discovered.
Guiding hands
“Cardiac Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program specifically designed and proven to improve heart health and reduce risk of future heart attacks by improving lifestyle habits and strengthening patients’ hearts,” said Michelle Buttry, operating officer at the Conemaugh Nason Medical Center.
The Cardiac Rehab’s Medical Director, Dr. Hany Shanoudy stated, “I strongly encourage all eligible patients to participate in cardiac rehabilitation. The evidence is clear — those who complete the program recover more quickly and experience significantly better long-term outcomes.”
Alison Caddy, MS, BS, RRT, the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary manager of Cardiac Rehab said, “Our cardiac rehab program opened in February 2023, and since, we have helped over 150 community members. We take great pride in the personalized approach we offer, tailoring each patient’s program to their unique needs, goals and health conditions, ensuring a supportive and effective recovery journey involving a cardiac event.”
As with any organization or project, commitment at the top as demonstrated by Buttry, Shanoudy and Caddy is required to successfully implement any program. But equally as important is the proper structure and personnel at the customer level.
In this regard, Cardiac Rehab is blessed with a dedicated staff.
Kim Pepple, RN, CCRP, (Registered Nurse and Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional) and Paula Burket, RN, BSN, (Registered Nurse with Bachelor of Science in Nursing) are the hands-on team overseeing and directing the rehab process at the patient level.
“Our goal is to help patients strengthen their heart after a cardiac event by routine exercise, education, socialization and through support throughout the program while treating each patient as an individual,” Burket said when asked to describe the program.
Pepple agreed, adding education is a key ingredient.
“It is very important our patients understand their diagnosis, why they are at cardiac rehab, the medications they are taking and of course the treatment for their diagnosis,” Pepple said.
She also discussed the most challenging aspects of their jobs.
“It is our responsibility to guide the patient while monitoring their safety and progress,” People said. “However, to receive the maximum benefit it is important the patient takes an active role as well. As a nurse, we can stress what must be done, provide guidance and encouragement but it can be challenging if the patient does not understand the importance of their personal commitment. It is heartbreaking to see a patient fail to receive the maximum benefit due to lack of effort.”
The average patient completes between 18 and 36 sessions in about two to three months, Burket said.
“It is really hard if we have patients that are not consistent in their efforts or fail to finish the program,” she said. “The program is designed around the patient’s personal schedule and physical limitations and we are completely flexible in its application. Our drop-out rate is extremely low but we encourage everyone to continue so they receive the maximum personal benefit.”
When asked about the most rewarding aspects of their jobs, both Burket’s and Pepple’s eyes lit up and they both started talking at once.
“The most rewarding aspect is making a difference in patients’ lives by helping them recover from heart issues, improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of future cardiac events,” Burket said. “I love having the chance to build a strong lasting relationship with the patients as they work toward setting goals to improve their heart health.”
“Most patients come to us unaware of what to expect, often out of condition and doubting they will be able to complete their sessions,” People said. “However, after a short time they are relaxed, feeling better and when they complete the program they walk out in better physical and mental shape. I love seeing them breathing easier and feeling a lot better than when they started.”
A patient’s perspective
Wayne Snare and Joyce Bassler were involved in the program due to personal cardiac related issues.
“I admit at first I was concerned if I could do what might be requested and how the staff would be to work with,” Bassler said. “It only took one session to realize my concerns were ill founded. The staff was great, friendly and relaxed. They explained everything, worked with my personal schedule and put me at ease immediately. I have completed 24 sessions to date and have definitely benefited mentally and physically. I would strongly recommend the program to anyone considering it.”
“I had a double bypass and was concerned that I might not be strong enough to do what would be required,” Snare said. “But the nurses made every aspect of the program very comfortable and never expected any more of me than I was able to handle. I completed 36 sessions and benefited both mentally and physically. It also gave me confidence that I could continue to get better by taking more responsibility for my health and well being.”
After completing the program, Snare is back to doing all of his usual activities.
“Without the program, I am not sure I would have gotten my strength back as completely, if at all, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has had or is having cardiac issues,” he said.
Snare credits the nursing staff as they kept a close watch on patients as they completed physical activities.
The “were very encouraging and they did it all while making it fun to be there,” he said.
Interested in Cardiac Rehab?
You may qualify for the Cardiac Rehab Program if you have had open heart or valve surgery, received a stent, or experienced a cardiac event. Talk to your family physician or cardiologist to see if a referral is right for you.
The program is located at 878 Pine Heights St., Roaring Spring, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to speak with a member of the cardiac team, call 814-224-5990.
John Kasun completed 36 sessions and said his heart function is back in the normal range. “I titled this feature, ‘A Jewel in the Cove’ but I was wrong, Cardiac Rehab is truly a Treasure Chest and it is open to everyone needing to improve their heart health.”
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