Preventive cardiac care is a proven investment in good health and longevity. In 1995 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services commissioned the Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research to answer long-standing questions about the benefits of preventive cardiac care and rehabilitation. The study proved that patients with a wide range of cardiac-related problems fared much better with a preventive cardiac care program than patients who did not participate in such a program.

Persons who have a heart condition or who are at risk for a heart attack need to do everything they can to maintain good health. Individuals recovering from heart surgery or angioplasty and those with congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, angina or heart attack have found that a key factor in preventing more damage to the heart is to get education, training and support from health professionals.

Cedars-Sinai's Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center (PRCC) is an easy, affordable solution to heart health. Through the PRCC, participants can take part in comprehensive programs that provide the support and training necessary to prolong life and reduce heart disease risk factors.

People who benefit most from these outpatient programs are those who have risk factors for coronary artery disease and those who have had recent heart condition treatments.

The program includes:

• An exercise plan to help the patient create a safe and appropriate lifelong exercise habit
• 12 to 20 75-minute exercise sessions each month
• Continual heart monitoring (a telemetry monitor attached to the body sends signals to a computer that constantly monitors heart activity during exercise) followed by periodic telemetry and blood pressure monitoring when appropriate
• Periodic telemetry and blood pressure monitoring after the first two weeks of the program
• Reports sent to the patient's personal doctor, allowing for a more precise long-term treatment program
• Nutritional counseling to help reduce cardiac disease risk factors and maintain a healthy weight
• Weekly relaxation training
• Psychological screening
• Stress management classes

For a small fee, the center also offers support groups and classes in yoga and heart-healthy cooking.