Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907
Rehabilitation
Whether you're recovering from a heart attack, an angioplasty or heart surgery, a cardiac rehabilitation program can help speed your recovery and reduce the risk and severity of heart disease in the future.
Getting back to normal begins before you go home
Cardiac rehabilitation actually starts while you're still in the hospital with short trips around your room and down the hall.
You can also begin a few cardiac warm-up exercises after you're transferred to the cardiac step-down unit. While you're on bedrest, do these exercises every hour or two.
Do not perform these exercises if you have been told to keep your leg straight.
1. "The Gas Pedal" - Ankle pumps
Lie on your back, bend one knee with your foot flat on the bed or
floor. Relax the other leg and gently bend and straighten your ankle.
Repeat 10 times. Switch legs.
2. "The Brake" - Heel slides
Lie on your back with legs straight; slide one heel toward your buttocks,
bending your knee and hip. Repeat to starting position, and repeat 10
times. Repeat with your other leg.
3. "Windshield Wipers" - Internal and external
rotation
With your legs straight, turn your legs from your hips, inward as
far as possible. Turn your legs outward as far as possible and repeat
10 times.
• YNHH Health Library: Cardiac Rehabilitation
Next page: Rehabilitation at home
Last revised: May 23, 2007 (dh)
