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Strengthen Your Heart with Cardiac Rehabilitation in Williamsport, PA

Some patients, after having undergone a procedure at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, will require a rehabilitation program. From victims of heart attack or stroke to patients needing therapy after heart disease surgery, our rehabilitation center has a high outpatient success rate.

As active members of the community, our cardiac rehabilitation providers understand that a healthy heart is essential for optimal well-being. That’s why we offer comprehensive cardiac rehab for patients of all ages who are suffering from various types of heart and vascular conditions.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at UPMC 

Our rehabilitation program, CHAMPS (Cardiovascular Health Activities Make People Strong), is a specially designed exercise and education program for individuals with heart problems. This program improves fitness and reduces the risk factors of heart disease. Each patient who is referred to CHAMPS by their physician will be provided with an individually designed program to meet their specific needs.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary wellness patients benefit from exercising in an on-site fitness room located within the Heart and Vascular Institute. Participants are monitored during physical activity by our professional staff including cardiac registered nurses, an exercise specialist (all trained in advanced cardiac life support) and respiratory therapists.

Beyond exercise components of both programs, participants receive educational information and instruction to help them with lifestyle behavioral changes and tips on how to enhance their overall quality of life and health.

Monitored Classes

We offer a 36-session exercise program for patients who have recently (within the past year) experienced any of these conditions or treatments:

Maintenance Classes

Maintenance classes are for patients who have completed the 36-week monitored class program and want support to continue their new healthy lifestyle.

This program can also be used by individuals who do not qualify for monitored classes but would benefit from a lifestyle modification program.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym

The cardiac rehabilitation gym at UPMC Williamsport is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 pm.

Monitored classes (patients wear heart monitors) for new patients and patients who recently had a heart event are offered at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monitored classes are covered by most insurance plans and last for 12 weeks (36 sessions).

Maintenance classes (no heart monitors required) are self-pay classes available for a $5 fee at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

In order to experience the full benefits of the program, patients are encouraged to visit the cardiac rehabilitation gym at least two to three times per week.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or other questions about CHAMPS, please call 570-321-2888.

UPMC's Heart & Vascular Institute provides complete care for cardiac rehabilitation in Williamsport, Lock Haven, and Wellsboro, PA.