Cardiac Rehab Week: Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Heart Health

As Cardiac Rehab Week approaches (February 9-15), Daviess Community Hospital (DCH) joins healthcare providers nationwide in highlighting the life-changing benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. At the forefront of this effort is Connie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCRP, CCEP, who has guided patients through cardiac rehab since 1991.

“Cardiac rehab empowers patients to take control of their heart disease instead of letting it control them,” Wilson said. “It doesn’t matter if we save your life if you’re afraid to live after your heart attack. Our goal is to restore confidence and independence.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Million Hearts initiative, only about 20% of eligible patients enroll in cardiac rehab—despite clear evidence that it reduces hospital readmissions and improves quality of life. DCH aims to change that by making cardiac rehab both accessible and personalized.

Wilson emphasizes that the DCH Cardiac Rehab program tackles common barriers such as cost and transportation by working closely with patients. The hospital also coordinates with each patient’s cardiologist to ensure medications and exercise routines are optimized for a safe recovery.

“Because we’re a smaller program, we can offer a very personalized approach, tailoring exercises and education to each patient’s unique situation,” Wilson said.

What DCH’s Cardiac Rehab Includes

• Supervised Exercise: Each patient works at their own pace with professional monitoring.
• Nutritional Guidance: Learn how diet impacts heart health and receive meal-planning tips.
• Stress Management: Discover techniques to handle anxiety and improve overall well-being.
• Customized Support: From patients using wheelchairs to those seeking advanced fitness, everyone is welcome.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover cardiac rehab. For those without coverage, DCH staff explore affordable options to ensure no patient misses out. Wilson also highlights that cardiac rehab is not just for exercise—it’s a confidence-building opportunity.

“When a patient has a heart attack, especially with significant damage, cardiac rehab helps them regain confidence and learn how to trust their body again,” Wilson said. “There’s always something we can do to improve their future health.”

Wilson herself lives in Shoals with her husband, Kevin, and is a mother of two grown children and a grandmother of three. Outside of work, she shares her passion for healthier living on her YouTube channel, “Cooking With Connie,” focusing on gluten-free and sugar-free recipes.

Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you or someone you know could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation, call (812) 254-8895 or visit our Cardiopulmonary Services page for more information. During Cardiac Rehab Week and every week, DCH is here to empower you to take control of your heart health.