CHRISTUS Health earns national certification for cardiac rehab in Longview

CHRISTUS Health in Longview has earned certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for its cardiac rehabilitation program, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, integrated care and helping patients improve their quality of life following a cardiac event.

The health system first earned certification in 2008 and has successfully maintained the distinction in subsequent evaluations.

The three-year certification recognizes programs that uphold evidence-based practices and high standards of care for patients recovering from heart attacks, cardiac procedures and other cardiovascular conditions.

“Having maintained this accreditation for nearly 20 years is something our team takes great pride in and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality care and exceeding the standards set by our national accrediting organization,” said Jennifer Ferrell, clinical director for cardiac rehab. “This renewal is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in our program.”

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that helps patients recover following a heart attack, heart surgery or other heart-related health events. Through individualized exercise, education and ongoing support, patients learn ways to manage their cardiovascular health, build endurance and reduce their risk of future complications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, structured cardiac rehabilitation programs can reduce the risk of a second heart attack by up to 31% and repeat hospitalizations by up to 43%.

The certification requires programs to provide extensive documentation demonstrating their commitment to established standards and best practices. Applications are reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, with certification awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

“From the clinical care we provide to the relationships we build with our patients, everyone on our team plays an important role in making this program successful,” Ferrell said. “We're proud to bring this level of care to our community.”

For more information on cardiac rehab services in Longview, call (903) 323-6550.