The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC is unlike other programs that offer only medical or rehabilitation care. Our cardiac rehabilitation program is unique in that it provides a combination of services from a diversified team of board-certified clinicians.

Who We Treat

The program is designed for patients who are currently in an acute care hospital for medical and/or surgical treatment of cardiac disease, and who would benefit from inpatient medical rehabilitation to restore them to their former level of physical endurance and self-sufficiency.

Before discharging a patient, our Team will recommend services the patient will need in order to transition to the next level of care. This might include Outpatient Services (offered at the Trinity Center on the campus of Trinity University). We also offer access to quality skilled nursing facilities and home care through the MedStar Visiting Nurse Association. Our job is to build a roadmap for your recovery — and to support you along the journey as you rebuild your life.

Team Highlights

• Sandeep Simlote, MD is the Clinical Director of the Cardiac Rehab program.
• Cynthia McDonald, RN is the Co-Clinical Director.
• The patient’s team will include: a physician team leader, rehabilitation nursing, social worker/case manager, physical therapist and occupational therapist.
• A patient might also work with a psychologist, speech language pathologist, therapeutic recreation specialist, wound care specialist, orthotic and/or prosthetic specialists and dietician.
• Spiritual care services are also available.

Program Highlights

• Therapy in our Cardiac gym is provided five days a week
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• Specialized EKG-monitored exercise therapy is provided under the supervision of doctors, nurses and an exercise physiologist
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• During therapy, patients’ heart function and rhythm are monitored as they move through a series of progressively more-intense activities.
  
• Therapy sessions also address bathing, dressing, walking, using stairs and getting out of bed.
  
• Patients and family members learn ways to prevent the progression of heart disease and manage the psychological impact on their health.
  
• A weekly cardiac support group is available for patients.
  

More Information

To learn more about admitting a patient to the Cardiac Program, please see the Admissions & Referrals section.