VWCH cardiac rehab program certified

Van Wert independent/VWCH information

Van Wert County Hospital announced the certification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The program was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to help people with cardiovascular problems: heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, etc., recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

“We are very pleased that the program has become certified,” noted Dr. Scott Jarvis, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation. “Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Having a program of this caliber in our community is a tremendous resource.  We’re able to help save and improve lives, one at a time, right here in Van Wert.”

The Van Wert County Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program joins other AACVPR-Certified programs as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation.  AACVPR certification recognizes outstanding programs that follow best practices in patient care and program management.

Susie Perez, a local Van Wert resident who completed her cardiac rehab at Van Wert County Hospital, knows the positives of the local program.

“As someone who went through this program, I can attest to the benefits of cardiac rehab,” Perez said. “It was an essential component in my recovery from heart surgery.

“It allowed me to exercise with confidence, knowing that I was monitored and my exercise program was safe,” she added. “I feel exercise is one of the best medicines, (while) the cardiac rehab team also provided me with the tools necessary to make lifestyle changes.”

The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual facilities for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies.

Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.