Houston Healthcare is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program, Health Connections, by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Health Connections was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

Health Connections cardiovascular rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

“We are fortunate to be recognized nationally. By going through this process, we have reviewed best practice models and are applying them to our program. We strive to provide the best care possible to our patients,” says Alisha Fielder, exercise physiologist and manager of Health Connections. “This achievement could not have been possible without the hard work of our staff.”

“Cardiac Rehabilitation is a crucial step in the healing process for our patients. As a part of Houston Healthcare’s cardiovascular services line, Health Connections is key to the continuum of care process,” says Tim Sisco, Director of Imaging and Cardiovascular Services for Houston Healthcare.

AACVPR-certified 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.