Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center

University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute provides a specialized team approach to improve the health of patients with a chronic or advanced heart, vascular or lung condition.

Refer a Patient

Call 216-844-3800
All major insurance accepted. Physician referral required.

A Vital Service to Support the Best Outcomes

Our rehabilitation programs help patients minimize the risk of further cardiac, vascular and pulmonary problems and ensure quicker, more effective recovery through tailored exercise, education and counseling components. Before developing an individualized plan, our team conducts a detailed evaluation that assesses the patient’s health, physiological function and related risk factors.

Rehabilitation teams at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute include physicians, nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists and certified dietitians – so each patient is supported by multiple specialists for the best possible outcomes.

Clinical Indications for Referral

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement
Percutaneous coronary intervention or stent
Stable angina
Congestive heart failure (must meet criteria EF ≤ 35%, NYHA II-IV)
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Heart transplant
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)

Vascular Rehabilitation

Peripheral artery disease
Intermittent claudication when walking
Arterial revascularization procedure (lower extremity bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent)

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Emphysema
Lung cancer
Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Neuromuscular disorders
Sarcoidosis

Rehabilitation Programs are Unquestionably Effective

Data from the Million Hearts initiative of the Centers for Disease Control and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show that people who attend all 36 sessions of a typical cardiac rehab program have a 47 percent lower risk of death and a 31 percent lower risk of heart attack than do people who attend only one session.
Data from meta-analyses of randomized-controlled trials show that participation in medically supervised rehabilitation results in decreases in mortality as well as improvements in physical and psychological function.
Data reported through the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute show participation in pulmonary rehabilitation results in fewer COPD exacerbations and a reduction in the number of hospital inpatient days during the following year.

Provider Education

Experts at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute have been working with colleagues in prominent national organizations over recent years to develop online education aimed at increasing provider knowledge about the benefits and indications for rehabilitation services.

American College of Cardiology

Free educational webinar, 15 modules grouped in five, one-hour sessions. Dual CME/MOC credit available.

Webinar Details +

Which patients are appropriate for cardiac rehab referral and enrollment
Using exercise stress testing before cardiac rehab to develop the exercise prescription and to evaluate improvement and return to work activities after cardiac rehab
Constructing an exercise prescription for most patients in Phase 2 cardiac rehab
Tailoring cardiac rehab for patients with systolic heart failure, LVADs, post-heart transplant or frailty
Developing an exercise prescription for patients with pacemakers, ICDs or recent valve procedures
Screening patients in cardiac rehab for depression or anxiety
Applying practical pharmacotherapy to enhance tobacco cessation in patients in cardiac rehab

Watch Now

American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Five-part educational webinar series. CE credit available.