Did You Know? Cardiac Rehabilitation at CCMH Helps Heart Patients Recover Close to Home
September 11, 2026
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Did you know Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) offers a comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program that helps patients regain strength, improve their heart health, and reduce their risk of future cardiac events, all without traveling far from home?
For residents of Carrollton and surrounding communities, access to cardiac rehabilitation locally means receiving essential recovery care close to family, friends, and support systems. Each year, approximately 100 patients participate in CCMH’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, benefiting from personalized care designed to help them safely return to everyday activities and improve their quality of life.
“Having Cardiac Rehabilitation available locally removes a major barrier for many patients,” said Melissa Cochran, CCMH Director of Cardiopulmonary Services. “When people can receive care close to home, they’re more likely to complete the program and experience the long-term benefits that come with improved heart health.”
The cardiac rehabilitation journey begins with a physician referral. Once insurance authorization is obtained, patients are scheduled for an intake appointment where they meet with CCMH’s respiratory therapists to discuss their medical history, current medications, health goals, and what to expect during rehabilitation.
The intake visit also provides patients with an opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and learn about the safety measures in place throughout the program.
“We want every patient to feel comfortable from the very first visit,” said Sandy Berghager, CCMH Respiratory Therapist. “Cardiac Rehabilitation can feel intimidating at first, but we’re here to provide encouragement, answer questions, and support patients every step of the way.”
Each rehabilitation session begins with monitoring vital signs and weight before patients move through a supervised exercise routine. Equipment available includes treadmills, stationary bicycles, arm ergometers, NuStep machines, ellipticals, and hand weights as patients progress.
The program consists of 36 sessions over 12 weeks, with patients attending three sessions each week. Exercise plans are tailored to individual abilities and gradually increase as patients build endurance and confidence. Patients may start by exercising for six minutes on each piece of equipment and eventually progress to 15 minutes or more.
Throughout the program, patients also receive education on heart health, healthy lifestyle choices, and strategies for managing cardiac conditions.
Cardiac rehabilitation at CCMH is about more than physical recovery. Therapists work to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients can build relationships with others facing similar health challenges.
Patients are often grouped according to their rehabilitation level, allowing friendships and camaraderie to develop throughout the program. Whether it’s listening to music during workouts or receiving encouragement from staff members who are willing to exercise alongside them, CCMH strives to make rehabilitation an enjoyable experience.
“Our goal is to help patients feel successful and supported,” Berghager said. “Recovery is easier when you know you’re not going through it alone.”
Who Can Benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation? Patients may qualify for cardiac rehabilitation if they have experienced:
- A heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Peripheral artery disease
- Heart bypass surgery
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator placement
- Heart transplant
- Other qualifying cardiac conditions or procedures
Eligibility is determined by a physician and may depend on specific clinical criteria.
The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation extend far beyond the completion of the program. Studies have shown that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation after a heart event often experience fewer hospitalizations, lower risk of future cardiac complications, improved physical function, and better overall quality of life.
“Every patient’s success story reinforces why this program is so important,” Cochran said. “Cardiac rehabilitation helps people regain confidence, improve their health, and take meaningful steps toward a stronger future.”
CCMH also offers pulmonary rehabilitation services. While cardiac rehabilitation focuses on strengthening and improving heart health, pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to help patients manage lung conditions and improve breathing. Both programs combine supervised exercise, patient education, and ongoing support to help individuals achieve better overall health and wellness.
For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, speak with your healthcare provider or contact CCMH’s Cardiopulmonary and Rehabilitation Services department at 660-542-1695.
For more information about the services at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, visit our website http://www.carrollcountyhospital.org or call 660-542-1695.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.
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https://www.carrollcountyhospital.org/news/did-you-know-local-access-expert-care-how-ccmhs-hospitalist-partnership-benefits-patients