Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Jude Medical Center

The Shah Happiness Center for Cardiovascular Health offers a comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program designed to support patients who are at risk of or recovering from heart disease.

Through a carefully designed blend of exercise therapy, education and support, we can help you recover faster, reduce your risk of future heart problems, gain more energy to do the activities you enjoy and embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team includes a physician, advanced practice nurses, exercise physiologists, educators and registered dietitians – each contributing their expertise to ensure that you recover successfully.

1962.4 miles away
714-446-7955
Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Jude Medical Center

The Shah Happiness Center for Cardiovascular Health offers a comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program designed to support patients who are at risk of or recovering from heart disease.

Through a carefully designed blend of exercise therapy, education and support, we can help you recover faster, reduce your risk of future heart problems, gain more energy to do the activities you enjoy and embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team includes a physician, advanced practice nurses, exercise physiologists, educators and registered dietitians – each contributing their expertise to ensure that you recover successfully.

1962.4 miles away
Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you're just recovering from a cardiac event, walking on a treadmill might be the last thing you're interested in. But we can help you through any fear and anxiety that you’re experiencing. And soon you’ll find that you’re gaining strength, learning heart-healthy behaviors and feeling dramatically better.

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed to benefit adults of all ages and fitness levels who have experienced any of the following conditions:

  • Balloon angioplasty
  • Cardiac surgery
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Coronary atherectomy
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Heart transplant
  • Stable angina
  • Stent placement

Our highly successful three-phase program begins immediately following a cardiac event and continues as necessary.

To enroll or get more information, please call us at the number above.

Phase 1
  • Phase 1 starts while you're in the hospital recovering from surgery or a cardiac event. Our inpatient rehabilitation staff will help you and your family understand the most important aspects of recovery and prepare you for discharge.
  • You and your family will receive individualized instruction about heart disease and its warning signs, how to take your medications, proper nutrition, how to exercise and stress management.
  • Prior to discharge, we'll outline a home exercise program to help you get started on returning to an active, healthier lifestyle.
  • Phase 1 is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
Phase 2
  • Phase 2 is an outpatient program that requires a physician referral.
  • You'll begin a closely monitored physical conditioning program – using treadmills, recumbent bikes and specially designed equipment – to improve your heart function and overall health.
  • This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Under the direction of a physician, our exercise physiologists and advanced practice nurses will design a program tailored to your needs. You'll participate in monitored exercise sessions three times a week, gradually increasing your goals and accomplishments.
  • Ongoing education and group classes provide you with the skills to succeed, including heart-healthy eating, medication management, stress reduction and proper exercise. Any complications are immediately reported to your physician and progress reports are shared at the program's conclusion. Most of our patients find they feel better and are more active than ever before.
  • Once you've completed Phase 2, you can build on your success by moving to Phase 3, a fee-based program, or we can refer you to appropriate community resources.
  • Phase 2 is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
Phase 3
  • Phase 3 is a program that allows you to continue exercising and improving your health with less intensive supervision.
  • We'll help you continue your long-term exercise program – which you can follow for the rest of your life – and provide ongoing support for your lifestyle changes. Enjoy the best of both worlds with guidance and support from our therapists and cardiac nurses, as well as the equipment and energy level of a fitness center.
  • You can remain in Phase 3 for up to three months, or longer as needed. Our friendly, supportive environment makes it easier to continue exercising regularly while you transition to independence.
  • Phase 3 is a fee-based program.
THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK

Part of the Providence Heart & Vascular Institute of Orange County

  • As a top-tier research institute, we’ll offer you the most innovative treatment – all in the comfort of your local community hospital.
  • Through our cutting-edge cardiac genetics program, we’ll help you understand your risk and develop a care plan together.
  • More than 9,000 heart patients choose us for their care each year.

Learn More About the Providence Heart & Vascular Institute in Orange County

Recognition

U.S. News & World Report -  Best Hospitals in Rehabilitation (2025-26)

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) - Certified Program

The Society for Thoracic Surgeons - Three-Star Institution

Rehabbing Injured Hearts

This year, nearly 800,000 Americans will have a heart attack and another 550,000 will receive a diagnosis of heart failure.

Numerous studies show those who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have lower rates of death and a higher quality of life, including more energy, lower rates of depression and a more successful recovery. “The data is clear: cardiac rehabilitation helps people live longer and do better,” explains Jesus Vera, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at St. Jude.

Just ask Matt. After successful quadruple heart bypass surgery, Matt spent five days in the Critical Care and Cardiac Units before beginning his journey back to health with the help of Cardiac Rehabilitation.