Man taking part in cardiac rehabilitation at an Ascension site of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation in Baltimore

Rehabilitation care teams at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore and Catonsville, MD, help you to strengthen your heart and lungs.
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You're not alone in this. Our care team at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Heart and Respiratory Rehabilitation delivers personalized care to help improve your recovery after a heart attack or lung illness.

Start the conversation about how to help your heart heal

Our cardiac nurse and exercise specialists are here to help. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a cardiac rehabilitation plan that promotes a safe and quick recovery.

During cardiac rehabilitation, we monitor your heart, lungs and help you manage your symptoms. We also help you make nutrition and lifestyle changes to help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and improve your overall health. Ascension Saint Agnes offers this in a supportive, healing environment that caters to you and your family.

A doctor's referral is required to participate in the program. Medicare Part B and other private health insurance plans provide a covered benefit for participating in general or intensive cardiac rehabilitation.

Ask your heart doctor if you are a candidate for heart and respiratory rehabilitation

Your doctor and our care team evaluates you for our 12-week program. We work with you to help you improve your recovery after surgery. Heart and respiratory rehabilitation is a medically-supervised treatment for heart and lung conditions.

Heart-related conditions may include:

  • Bypass surgery
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary stent or angioplasty
  • Heart attack
  • Heart transplant or heart pump
  • Heart valve replacement or repair
  • Pulmonary
  • Treatment for angina

Lung-related conditions may include:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Emphysema

Program features and benefits

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation can help speed up your recovery and keep your heart and lungs healthy. Our care team helps you focus on:

  • Controlling weight and improving cholesterol levels
  • Creating healthy lifestyle habits and managing stress
  • Increasing self-confidence
  • Maintaining a routine of doing breathing and aerobic exercises
  • Reducing your symptoms and helping to prevent another cardiac event
  • Returning to work and activities of daily living
  • Strengthening and conditioning your heart and lungs
  • Understanding your medications and how to manage your heart condition

Exercise options after completing the rehabilitation program

Your care doesn't end after completing your cardiac rehabilitation. We make it easy for you to keep up with your exercise routine. Ask about fitness options at the Ascension Saint Agnes Fitness Center, located on the campus of Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital.

Frequently asked questions about cardiac rehabilitation

  • What diagnosis qualifies you for cardiac rehabilitation, or heart rehab care?

    Your doctor may recommend cardiac rehab following a heart surgery or heart event, such as:

    • Congestive heart failure
    • Coronary artery bypass surgery
    • Heart attack
    • Heart or heart-lung transplant
    • Heart valve repair or replacement
    • Treatment for angina (chest pain)

    A doctor's referral is required to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

  • What is cardiac rehabilitation?

    Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that may be part of your care plan. Whether you have a heart condition or are recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery, your care team can recommend a rehabilitation program to support your recovery. During your cardiac rehabilitation sessions, specialists monitor your heart and help you develop confidence as your heart gets stronger.

    Cardiac rehabilitation programs focus on:

    • Creating healthy lifestyle habits and managing stress
    • Helping you understand medications and how to take them
    • Improving cholesterol levels
    • Improving your fitness so you can return to work and activities of daily living
    • Increasing self-confidence
    • Managing body weight
    • Managing chronic heart conditions
    • Preventing future heart attack
    • Reducing symptoms
    • Strengthening and conditioning the heart and lungs

    Talk to your doctor about whether cardiac rehabilitation is right for you.

  • What are the phases of cardiac rehabilitation?

    Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive therapy program. Your rehabilitation specialist may provide exercise training, cardiac risk factor modification, education on heart health, nutrition counseling and psychosocial support. Cardiac rehabilitation helps you to recuperate, build confidence and get stronger after you've had surgery or medical treatment for certain types of heart disease.

  • What is the difference between cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation?

    Cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation are both medically supervised programs. Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended if you’ve had a heart surgery or heart event, such as heart attack, heart transplant or heart failure. Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended if you have a lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis or asthma.

    At Ascension sites of care, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs may include informational sessions, exercise, dietary counseling, breathing training and emotional support. Cardiac rehabilitation care teams monitor blood pressure throughout each session. Pulmonary rehabilitation care teams also monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate. Ask your doctor if you can be connected to cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation care.

  • Can cardiac rehabilitation be done at home?

    Cardiac rehabilitation is a program in which you are supervised by a medical professional. Once you have completed the program, your care team encourages you to continue your fitness activities and lifestyle modifications at home. Staying connected with your doctor and following your at-home plan can help you maintain your overall health and wellness.

  • How do I find cardiac rehabilitation near me?

    Talk to your cardiology care team about whether cardiac rehabilitation is right for you. A referral from your doctor is needed before scheduling your first session.


If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.