Education & Resources

Heart Matters Cardiac Support Group – 949-764-5594

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program – 949-764-5594

This is a medically supervised exercise program that is staffed with nurses and exercise physiologists. Your EKG and blood pressure will be monitored before, during and after exercise. This is a 36-session (3 times a week for 12 weeks) program. To start, you need to be referred by your cardiologist. Ask your cardiologist if you qualify for this program.

CARES Program Palliative Consult – 949-764-8585

 

The World Health Organization defines palliative care as a treatment approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-limiting illness. This is accomplished through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and careful assessment, and treatment of pain and other needs that can be physical, psychosocial and/or spiritual. The Palliative Consult Service may be right for you if you suffer from:

  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Breathlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Other symptoms due to a serious illness

 

The Palliative Consult Service works closely with the attending physician to control symptoms and allow individuals to focus on regaining control and quality of life. Serious illnesses may include cancer, advanced lung disease, kidney failure, advanced heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and advanced liver disease.

 

Physician Orders for Life–Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

POLST is a form that gives seriously ill patients more control over their end-of-life care, including medical treatment, extraordinary measures (such as a ventilator or feeding tube) and CPR. Printed on bright pink paper and signed by both a doctor or NP, and patient, POLST can prevent unwanted or ineffective treatments, reduce patient and family suffering, and ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored.

 

Advance Directive

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on.

External Resources

American College of Cardiology

Heart Failure Association of America

Silver Cuisine by bistroMD – 844-404-FOOD (3663)