Grand Rapids Now Offers Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab Program
September 7, 2023
By: Brian M. Breen
Categories: Cardiovascular Health
Trinity Health Grand Rapids is now offering a new cardiac rehab program using the Pritikin ICR™ (Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation) Program to treat patients with cardiovascular disease. Trinity Health Ann Arbor was the first location in Michigan to offer the program back in 2016. The program is also available at Trinity Health Livingston.
The Pritikin program is based on the Pritikin lifestyle program, which focuses on the role of healthy eating, regular exercise and a healthy mindset. This Medicare-approved, evidence-based rehab program helps reduce risk factors for those who have experienced a severe heart event by implementing lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being.
Numerous studies have documented the Pritikin program's ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, improve blood sugar control and reduce other lifestyle-related risk factors.
Patients who have suffered from one of six qualifying cardiovascular events – including heart attack, angioplasty and stents, bypass or valve surgery, angina/chest pain or a cardiac transplant – can enroll at Trinity Health Grand Rapids in the Pritikin ICR program. There are less than 100 ICR programs currently in the United States.
Patients can begin the program immediately following a heart event and the program is easily adapted to be completed in 12 to 24 weeks, depending on the patient's availability. The program encourages family members to attend for motivation and support.
The 36 to 72-session intensive cardiac rehab enhances conventional cardiac rehab, enabling a more comprehensive series of exercise, nutrition and stress management sessions for improved outcomes.
The sessions offer a mix of exercise, individual education and group workshops facilitated by Trinity Health Grand Rapids’ exercise physiologists, registered dieticians and registered nurses. Regional executive chefs help with expanded heart-healthy cooking classes and instruction on healthy food shopping and meal planning. The program is custom designed to fit each patient’s specific needs, with personal counseling to reinforce lecture sessions, provide coaching and track progress.
The Pritikin ICR ™ Program is located on the third floor of the Wege Building at Trinity Health Grand Rapids and is now accepting patients with a referral from their provider.
For more information, call 616-685-6432.
Trinity Health Grand Rapids is a member of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan.
