Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Who Is Inpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation For?

Our services help people regain the highest level of functioning following a hospitalization for heart or lung disease.

Inpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Sunnyview may be right for you if you:

• Are a heart attack survivor or living with heart failure
• Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other forms of advanced lung disease
• Need a machine (ventilator) to help you breathe
• Are recovering from a heart procedure, such as coronary artery bypass grafting or a valve replacement
• Have a left ventricular atrial device (LVAD), an implantable pump that helps weak heart muscles circulate blood

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Sunnyview: Why Choose Us?

Sunnyview uses evidence-based practices to help more people achieve exceptional outcomes. This commitment has earned our program certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Highlights of our program include:

• Comprehensive care: You have access to a full range of inpatient services, including around-the-clock medical treatments. Highly skilled doctors and nurses pay careful attention to your needs, adjusting therapies whenever necessary. You also benefit from daily therapies and activities that help you regain your independence.
• Excellent outcomes: We consistently help patients return home as soon as it is medically safe to do so. And nearly all families who choose Sunnyview would recommend our programs to others.
• Smooth transitions: As your recovery progresses, we help you and your family prepare for your return home. Therapists and nurses provide family-centered training so that you feel confident performing at-home care tasks. After discharge, we call you to answer questions and provide support. Get more information about discharge planning.

Inpatient Cardiac Program Outcomes - 2023

We’re proud to share our Inpatient Cardiac Program outcomes and patient satisfaction for 2022, which compares favorably with inpatient rehabilitation programs throughout the region and the nation.

Inpatient Pulmonary Program Outcomes - 2023

We’re proud to share our Inpatient Pulmonary Program outcomes and patient satisfaction for 2022, which compares favorably with inpatient rehabilitation programs throughout the region and the nation.

Our Team Approach to Inpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists coordinate every step of your care. They communicate about your recovery progress and individual needs, so you receive timely, personalized services.

The team includes:

• Critical care doctors and lung specialists (pulmonologists) provide medical care. They regularly assess heart and lung function and your recovery progress.
• Physiatrists (rehabilitation medicine doctors) oversee physical and occupational therapies to ensure they are appropriate for your needs.
• Nurses monitor your response to medical treatments. Many of our nurses are certified in rehabilitation nursing, so you can count on us for high-quality care. All nurses receive ongoing training and use leading care practices.
• Respiratory therapists monitor ventilator activity and other breathing treatments to ensure you are receiving enough oxygen.

Advanced Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitative Therapies

We offer rehabilitative services that are not widely available, including:

Ventilator weaning

Once a person’s lung function is stable, they can come off a breathing machine. You or your loved one benefits from the careful attention of our pulmonologists and respiratory therapists who work together to manage this process. Find out more about our ventilator weaning program.

Specialized care for LVAD patients

Patients with LVADs face a higher risk of infections, irregular heartbeats and blood clots. They also may have pain and difficulty moving due to chest incisions from implanting the device. Our experience navigating these challenges keeps you healthy and comfortable.

Additional Therapies for People with Advanced Heart and Lung Disease

Your personalized care plan may also include:

• Nutrition counseling provides you with personalized recommendations from our registered dietitians. We may suggest eating low-sodium foods and cutting unhealthy fats. We also explain the importance of monitoring your weight and fluid intake.
• Physical therapy helps you get moving again. We guide you through gentle exercises to improve balance, increase strength and improve cardiovascular fitness. Therapists also explain what to do if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Occupational therapy teaches you relaxation techniques so that fears and anxiety do not get in the way of your recovery. You also learn methods of completing daily tasks that are easier on your body.
• Family support helps you and your loved one cope with changes in your abilities and daily activities. Therapists teach family members how to help you stay healthy, so they can be active partners in your care.

Additional Rehabilitative Services

We help you prepare for everyday life after leaving the hospital with services that include:

• Outpatient care: You may continue receiving physical and occupational therapies in our outpatient clinic. We also offer services that are not widely available, including driver rehabilitation. Find out more about outpatient rehab services.
• Wellness center: The Sunnyview Lifestyle Wellness Center features exercise equipment, a therapy pool and special programs in a relaxed atmosphere. Our certified exercise physiologists specialize in fitness plans for people with severe medical issues. They help you stay safe while you get stronger. 
• St. Peter's Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Wellness: An outpatient program with locations in Albany and Troy, including a Cancer Fitness and Wellness Program.