Cardiac rehabilitation and recovery

Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be challenging to complete. That’s why we developed a virtual cardiac rehab program — to make your recovery more comfortable and convenient for you.

Our home-based program, available for those who qualify, uses the latest technology to help you and your care team manage your health. A smartwatch collects your activity data, which is automatically uploaded to your electronic health record. Your care team uses this information to track your progress and give you advice.

In our pilot study, 87% of participants completed the program, compared to about half on average. And fewer than 2% of participants in our study had to return to the hospital — well below the national average of 10% to 15%.¹

Get the prescriptions you need without an unnecessary trip to the pharmacy. You can have most medications mailed to you through our pharmacy services. We'll deliver them directly to your door at no extra cost.

Having a heart condition may require lifestyle changes. Plus, healthy living helps lower your risk of having another cardiac event. You can choose from several programs to help you make healthy changes:

• Our Recipes library has healthy meals you can make at home.
• Healthy lifestyle programs can help you eat healthier, move more, sleep better, and more.
• Wellness coaching offers one-on-one advice by phone — without a referral.
• Fitness deals provide discounts on gyms, apparel, fitness trackers, and online classes to help you stay active.²

Everyone reacts differently to having a heart condition. Reaching out to people with similar experiences can help you make sense of your new normal. Kaiser Permanente offers support groups and classes³ to connect you with others who are managing life with a heart condition.

View our health class directory

Having a heart condition can be a hard reality to face. Mental health screenings are an important part of your recovery journey. Your doctor will check for any mental health concerns, such as depression. If needed, your care team can connect you to support services.

You can choose from a wide range of mental health resources and programs for people living with heart conditions:

• In-person and virtual health and wellness programs
• Individual counseling and psychiatric care to help you work through emotions 
• Support groups to connect you with others who are experiencing similar issues
• Depression screening tool to help you understand what you’re experiencing
• Self-care resource library

Having a heart condition or needing follow-up care shouldn’t get in the way of traveling. As a Kaiser Permanente member, you can get certain medical services when you’re away from home.

Learn more about getting care while traveling

Kaiser Permanente’s innovative cardiac research gives care teams access to the latest practices and clinical trials, while they keep your total health in mind. As a  patient with heart-related issues, you can join our scientists and physician researchers by taking part in cardiovascular disease research and clinical trials. Your participation can help us better understand risks and improve treatments for future patients.

The Kaiser Permanente Research Bank is one of the largest population-based biobanks, or biological sample collections, in the country. Our researchers use the data they collect to help improve care for everyone. To join, just complete a brief health survey and provide a blood sample. There’s no cost and you can stop at any time. All personal information you provide remains private. 

As a caregiver, you take time from your life to support someone who needs help. This support could be social, financial, emotional, physical, or a combination of these. For example, you may help a loved one make appointments and pick up medications. You may also drive them to treatments and appointments. And you may need to provide emotional support.

Helping can feel good, but it’s not always easy. Kaiser Permanente provides a pathway for you to sign up as a caregiver. This can make it easier to manage the many tasks involved in caring for a loved one with a heart condition.

To set up caregiver access, first you need your own kp.org account. If your family member is an adult, they can give you permission to access their electronic health record. Facility staff can help you with this. Then you’ll be able to manage many aspects of your loved one’s care.

Using kp.org, you can:

• Refill most prescriptions for your family member
• Email their doctor’s office with nonurgent health questions
• View their health record, including most lab results, immunizations, and other health information

Caregivers must be 18 or older. 

Learn more about setting up caregiver access

Creating a Life Care Plan helps make sure your loved one’s health care preferences are respected by their caregivers and care team. The plan covers important topics that can help people prepare for cardiac treatment and recovery. Discussing their wishes may also give comfort to your loved one and anyone who makes decisions for them. If their health changes over time, they can revise their Life Care Plan.

Learn more about how to create a Life Care Plan

In some cases, you may need help providing your loved one with essential end-of-life care. Our hospice care serves patients of any age. Care could include help with bathing, pain management, and wound care. It also could include counseling, spiritual care, and social support.

Visits happen in the home or in a licensed care facility one or more times per week, depending on each patient’s needs. 

Learn more about when to consider hospice care