Cardiac Rehabilitation in Athens, GA

Recovering from a heart event is about more than healing; it’s about rebuilding your strength, confidence, and quality of life. At St. Mary’s Health Care System, our cardiac rehabilitation program supports patients across Athens and Northeast GA with personalized care designed to help you safely return to the life you love.

Heart Recovery & Wellness Programs

Cardiac occupational therapist and a woman sitting outside on benches, performing strength exercises and laughing together.

What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help people recover after a heart attack, heart failure, or diagnosis of heart disease. Through a combination of exercise, education, and ongoing support, cardiac rehab helps strengthen your heart, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.

At St. Mary’s, our experienced cardiac rehab team works closely with your physician to create a program tailored to your needs, ensuring safe and effective recovery every step of the way.

A Three-Phase Cardiac Rehab Program for Long-Term Heart Health

Our cardiac rehabilitation program is structured in three phases to support you from hospital recovery through lifelong wellness.

Cardiac Rehab. Phase I: In-Hospital Education & Recovery

Location: St. Mary’s Hospital, 1230 Baxter St., Athens, GA

Phase I begins while you are still in the hospital. This stage focuses on helping you understand your condition and preparing you for recovery after discharge.

You’ll receive education on:

This phase lays the foundation for a safer, more confident recovery at home.

Phase II: Supervised Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Location: St. Mary’s Hospital, 2nd Floor Cardiac Rehab Gym
Phone: (706) 389-2915

Phase II is a structured, 12-week program designed for patients recovering from:

  • Heart attack
  • Heart surgery
  • Angioplasty or coronary stenting
  • Valve repair or replacement
  • Heart transplant
  • Other cardiovascular conditions

Patients attend sessions three times per week, where they participate in carefully guided exercise tailored to their individual needs.

What to Expect in Phase II

  • Continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm using wireless technology
  • Personalized exercise plans to rebuild strength safely
  • Progress tracking and communication with your physician
  • Education on lifestyle changes to reduce future risk

Our goal is to help you safely return to daily activities while improving your heart health and confidence.

Insurance Note: Phase II cardiac rehab is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. A physician referral is required.

Learn More about Interventional Cardiology | Explore Cardiac and Vascular Services

Phase III:  Lifelong Maintenance & Wellness

Location: St. Mary’s Wellness Center | 2470 Daniells Bridge Road, Athens, GA (Inside The Exchange)
Phone: (706) 389-3355

Phase III is designed for patients who have completed Phase II or are ready to maintain their progress long-term. This phase focuses on independent exercise with continued professional support.

Program Highlights:

  • Ongoing exercise programs tailored to your goals
  • Supervision by trained staff for safety and guidance
  • Continued education on heart-healthy living
  • Support for stress management and lifestyle changes
  • Available Equipment Includes:
  • Treadmills and stationary bikes
  • Elliptical trainers and rowing machines
  • Free weights and strength training equipment
  • Stair-steppers and recumbent steppers
  • Arm ergometers

Many patients find that Phase III becomes an important part of their routine, providing both physical benefits and a supportive community.

To discover ways to keep your heart healthy, learn more about our Heart Success program.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health after a cardiac event. Our program helps patients:

By combining exercise, education, and support, cardiac rehab helps patients feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.
 

Who Can Benefit from Cardiac Rehab?

Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended if you have experienced or are living with or recovering from:

If you’re unsure whether cardiac rehab is right for you, your cardiologist or primary care provider can help guide you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supportive, medically supervised program designed to help you recover after a heart event or diagnosis. Through guided exercise, education, and encouragement, we help you rebuild strength, improve your heart health, and feel more confident in your daily life.

Cardiac rehab may be recommended if you’ve experienced a heart attack, heart failure, heart surgery, or a cardiac procedure such as a stent or valve repair. If you’re unsure, your primary care provider can help determine if this program is right for you.

Learn More about Primary Care

Cardiac rehab can help you feel stronger, improve your energy levels, and support your overall well-being. Many patients find they’re able to return to the activities they enjoy while also lowering their risk of future heart problems.

Most patients participate in a structured program for about 12 weeks, attending sessions a few times each week. After that, many choose to continue with a maintenance program to keep building on their progress.

Each session is tailored to you. You’ll take part in supervised exercise, have your heart monitored, and receive guidance on healthy habits like nutrition, stress management, and daily activity. Our team is there with you every step of the way.

Yes, your safety is our top priority. Every session is supervised by trained professionals, and your exercise plan is carefully designed around your individual needs and abilities.

Yes, a referral from your provider is needed to begin the program. If you think cardiac rehab may help you, we encourage you to speak with one of our primary care providers about referring you for cardiac rehabilitation. 

If you need a primary care provider, our primary care offices are always accepting new patients

Most cardiac rehab programs are covered by Medicare and many insurance plans, especially after a qualifying heart event or procedure. Our team can help answer questions and guide you through the process.

View All Accepted Insurance Plans

That’s completely understandable, and you’re not alone in feeling that way. Cardiac rehab is designed to meet you where you are. We start slowly and build at a pace that feels safe and manageable, helping you regain strength over time.

Yes, one of the most important goals of cardiac rehab is to reduce your risk of future heart issues. By improving strength, managing risk factors, and supporting healthy habits, we help you take meaningful steps toward long-term heart health.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and supportive shoes that allow you to move easily. Our team can provide additional guidance to help you feel prepared for your sessions.

When you complete your program, you will have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to continue caring for your heart. Many patients choose to stay active through ongoing exercise programs or continue with Phase III maintenance for additional support.

Absolutely. Cardiac rehab is designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Your program will be personalized to meet your needs, helping you safely improve your strength and overall health.

We understand that life can be busy. Our team will work with you to find a schedule that fits your routine as best as possible. Your health matters, and we’re here to help make participation as manageable as we can.

Getting started is simple. Talk with your provider about a referral or reach out to our team directly. We’ll guide you through each step so you can begin your recovery with confidence and support.