STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) is making significant advancement in accessibility with a new virtual cardiac rehabilitation service that patients can access from the comfort of their own homes.
The new 12-week program provides qualifying patients with comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation services following heart attacks, surgeries, or other cardiac conditions.
To begin, participants will receive essential monitoring devices at no additional cost, including a smartwatch, blood pressure monitor and cuff, and weight scale. They will then have virtual monitoring and weekly meetings to track progress and discuss health goals, and even participate in virtual exercise and educational classes covering nutrition and wellness.
“As physicians, when we care for patients with heart disease, we have multiple tools, including medications or medical devices, but in reality, physical exercise through a cardiac rehabilitation program has been proven to be one of the most effective tools to improve quality and prolong life,” said Dr. Francesco Rotatori, RUMC’s Cardiology Department chief and program medical director.
After completing the program, patients have the option to continue with a maintenance program for up to nine additional months. This follow through of care is crucial since studies show cardiac rehabilitation like this can reduce mortality rates by 35% in the five years following a heart attack or bypass surgery.
“I felt the program was very informative as far as teaching me how to change my lifestyle with eating better and doing proper exercises to manage my heart rate and regain my strength,” said Joe Carannante, who has survived three heart attacks and a stroke.
While virtual care is helping bridge gaps in accessibility, RUMC will continue to offer its traditional in-person rehabilitation at its Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center on Kissel Avenue in West Brighton.
The award-winning hospital was recently recognized as a “High Performing Hospital” for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report for its congestive heart failure care unit.