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Cardiolucent

Treatment

Cardiac Rehab Programs

Supervised exercise and risk-factor coaching that improves outcomes after a cardiac event.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program of supervised exercise training, risk-factor education, dietary counseling, and behavioral support designed for patients recovering from a cardiac event or procedure. Despite strong evidence that it reduces mortality, recurrent events, and hospitalization — and improves quality of life — cardiac rehab is one of cardiology's most under-prescribed therapies. Dr. Kedan refers eligible patients to high-quality programs (in-person or hybrid home-based models when appropriate) and integrates the rehab plan with ongoing cardiovascular care. The benefits accrue over months and persist for years when patients complete the full program.

What This Treatment Approach Includes

  • Referral after heart attack, PCI, bypass surgery, valve surgery, heart failure, or transplant
  • Baseline exercise tolerance assessment and individualized prescription
  • Supervised aerobic and resistance training, typically 2 to 3 sessions weekly for 12 weeks
  • Continuous EKG monitoring during early sessions when warranted
  • Risk-factor coaching: blood pressure, lipids, glucose, weight, sleep
  • Tobacco cessation, nutrition counseling, and psychological support
  • Home-based or hybrid programs when in-person attendance is impractical

How It Works

Supervised exercise training progressively increases cardiovascular fitness, improves endothelial function, lowers resting blood pressure and heart rate, and improves insulin sensitivity. The behavioral and educational components reinforce medication adherence, dietary change, and tobacco cessation during a uniquely teachable moment — the weeks after a cardiac event. The combination is more effective than any single component delivered in isolation.

Who This Is For

  • Recent heart attack or acute coronary syndrome
  • After percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary bypass surgery
  • After valve repair or replacement (surgical or transcatheter)
  • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, stable on medications
  • After heart transplantation
  • Stable angina with significant symptom burden
  • Peripheral artery disease with claudication — supervised exercise therapy is highly effective

Monitoring and Follow-Up

During the 12-week program, exercise tolerance and risk-factor metrics are tracked at each session, with periodic reassessment of medications, weight, and symptoms. Dr. Kedan coordinates with the rehab team throughout — adjusting medications based on exercise response, addressing new symptoms, and confirming that lessons translate into long-term habit change. Post-rehab, the gains are preserved with continued home-based exercise and ongoing cardiology follow-up.

How Cardiolucent Manages This

Many eligible patients are never referred to cardiac rehab, often because the handoff between hospital and outpatient cardiology is fragmented. Dr. Kedan makes the referral, helps select a program that fits your schedule and geography, and integrates the rehab progress with ongoing care. Extended visits allow detailed conversations about what to do during and after the program; direct access handles questions that arise between rehab sessions and cardiology visits.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehab is a structured 12-week program of supervised exercise training, risk-factor education, nutritional counseling, behavioral support, and medical surveillance designed for patients recovering from a cardiac event or procedure. It typically involves 2 to 3 sessions weekly at a dedicated facility.
Who qualifies for cardiac rehab?
Eligible diagnoses include recent heart attack, recent PCI or coronary bypass surgery, recent valve surgery or transcatheter valve procedure, chronic stable angina, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, heart transplant, and peripheral artery disease with claudication. Dr. Kedan reviews eligibility and makes the referral.
Why is cardiac rehab so important?
Cardiac rehab participation is associated with significantly lower mortality, fewer recurrent cardiac events, fewer hospitalizations, improved exercise capacity, and better quality of life. Despite the evidence, it remains under-prescribed — partly because of access and partly because of imperfect handoffs from hospital to outpatient care.
What does a typical session look like?
A session usually includes a brief medical check, monitored aerobic exercise (treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine) at a prescribed intensity, resistance training as the program progresses, and a cool-down. Early sessions may include continuous EKG monitoring. Education sessions on nutrition, medications, stress, and lifestyle are interwoven.
How long does the program last?
Standard cardiac rehab is 12 weeks, with 2 to 3 sessions weekly. Some patients benefit from extended programs or transition to a maintenance phase afterward. The 12-week framework is when the evidence-based benefits accrue, but the long-term goal is lifelong physical activity.
Is home-based cardiac rehab an option?
Hybrid and home-based cardiac rehab programs have expanded significantly and are appropriate for many patients who cannot attend in-person sessions because of work, geography, or preference. These programs combine remote monitoring, periodic in-person visits, and structured exercise prescription. Dr. Kedan helps determine which format fits best.
Is cardiac rehab safe?
Cardiac rehab is one of the most thoroughly safety-vetted interventions in cardiology. Sessions are supervised, exercise prescription is individualized to your fitness and medical status, and emergency response is on-site. Adverse events during sessions are rare.
What if I can't tolerate exercise initially?
Programs are calibrated to your starting point — many participants begin with very short, low-intensity sessions and progress gradually. The first few weeks are about establishing tolerance; intensity comes later. The supervised environment is specifically designed to safely progress patients who would otherwise feel unable to start.
Does insurance cover cardiac rehab?
Cardiac rehab is widely covered by Medicare and most commercial insurance for the eligible diagnoses listed above. Cardiolucent itself does not bill insurance, but the rehab program coordinates with your insurance independently. Coverage details vary by plan.
How do I start cardiac rehab through Dr. Kedan?
Schedule a consultation at the Beverly Hills office to confirm eligibility and select a program that fits. Cardiolucent is a concierge practice and does not bill Medicare or insurance, though a detailed superbill is provided for out-of-network reimbursement. Call (310) 304-5555 or use the contact form.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.