What is the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) Program?
The Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) program is based on the Pritikin lifestyle program, which focuses on the role of healthy eating, regular exercise and a healthy mind-set. The Medicare-approved evidence-based rehab program helps reduce risk factors for those who have experienced a serious heart event by implementing lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being. Numerous studies have documented the program’s ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure and blood sugar, control weight and help reduce other lifestyle-related risk factors.
Am I a Good Candidate for Intensive Cardiac Rehab?
Patients, who have suffered from one of six qualifying cardiovascular events; heart attack, angioplasty and stents, bypass or valve surgery, angina/chest pain, or cardiac transplant, can enroll in the program. Patients can begin the program immediately following a heart event and the program is easily adapted to be completed in 12 to 18 weeks, depending on the patient’s availability. The 72-session intensive cardiac rehab enhances conventional 36-session cardiac rehab, enabling a more comprehensive series of exercise, nutrition and stress management sessions for improved outcomes.
What can I expect from Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR)?
- The program provides patients with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed both during cardiac rehab and long after cardiac rehab is complete.
- The comprehensive learning model consists of immersive workshops, cooking classes, and professionally-produced videos. This flexible curriculum can be tailored to fit patients’ needs, and is designed to reinforce key concepts and support a variety of learning styles.
- Loved ones are encouraged to attend each ICR session for additional patient motivation and support.
- Through Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR), patients learn how to:
- Implement significant lifestyle changes
- Create a personalized Nutrition Action Plan and Exercise Plan
- Lose weight using healthy, evidence-based strategies
- Make heart-healthy choices when preparing a meal or dining out
- Utilize a variety of strategies for tobacco cessation, (if needed)
- Manage stress in their daily lives
The program‘s Medical Director, board-certified, interventional cardiologist Alan M. Taylor, II, M.D., states that about 80 percent of cardiology conditions are lifestyle-related. "Cardiac rehab programs are designed to address these underlying lifestyle components, such as nutrition and exercise, and can reduce the risk of dying or having another heart attack by as much as 30 to 50 percent, according to the American College of Cardiology.”
The program is now accepting patients. For more information, please call Regency Cardiac Rehab at 817-345-6225.
