Northern California Center for Well Being: HeartWorks Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (Roosen, 3/25/26)

A recording of this presentation is available HERE.

Thanks so much to Erin Roosen, program manager for our local Center for Well-Being's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, HeartWorks, located at 500 Doyle Park Drive, Santa Rosa 95405. She gave an inspiring presentation on the value of Cardiac Rehabilitation. She certainly inspired me to give a more robust bedside recommendation for my cardiac patients. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation is an evidence-based intervention that literally saves lives. . .

HeartWorks offers: 

  • A 3 month focused exercise program for patients with heart failure, any cardiac procedure (valve replacement or repair, stent, CABG), and recent STEMI/NSTEMI
  • Cardiac rehab
    • decreases need for hospitalization by 25%
    • helps people increase activity level
    • improve quality of life (65% improvement on PHQ9)
    • improves diet
    • decreases mortality (47% decrease in mortality if you complete the program, compared to attending only 1 session)
  • Cardiac rehab includes pre and post exercise vitals and 3 lead EKG monitoring
  • Phase II is 36 sessions (2-3 days/ per week, depending on availability): goal is to improve aerobic capacity (by increasing the 6 minute walk test and/or improve MET levels). This is generally covered by Medicare insurance
  • Phase III is an additional 3 month non-monitored program paid for by participants (24 sessions, 2/week)
  • Once participants complete cardiac rehab, they are offered a 3 month voucher for our local YMCA
What was most moving about Erin's presentation was the improvement of patients' quality of life and mental health, as well as a recognition that decreasing loneliness (we are in an epidemic) improves mortality as well. 

We are working with HeartWorks to ensure more of our patients complete cardiac rehab with a special personal focus on our Spanish speaking patients (Erin said they have both a Spanish speaking MA and physiotherapist).

Of note, referrals must be done through a patient's cardiologist!



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A recording of this presentation is available  HERE .