UK HealthCare

Gill Heart Cardiac Rehab Accredited by AACVPR

Lexington, Ky. (Sept. 22, 2011) — The UK HealthCare Gill Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has received certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification recognizes the UK program for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems to recover faster and improve their quality of life. These programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

"We are increasingly becoming victims of our lifestyle in this country, " said Dr. Alison Bailey, cardiac rehabilitation program director.

"Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity are the modern plagues of our society. The good news is that these are frequently reversible diseases that can be cured. The goal of cardiovascular rehabilitation is to help us shift back into a healthy lifestyle in a safe, fun environment."

The UK Gill Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process which requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

For more information about the UK HealthCare Gill Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation program, visit http://www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/Gillheart/cprehab.htm or call (859) 323-5424.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Elliott, allison.elliott@uky.edu