Corpus Christi Medical Center (CCMC) has announced the opening of its new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center as part of its extensive cardiology program.

"We are proud to offer our community a new cardiac rehabilitation center, which is another major investment Corpus Christi Medical Center is making to support healthcare in South Texas to help patients live healthier lives," said David Irizarry, Corpus Christi Medical Center’s new chief executive officer.

Located in the Dr. Charles Clark Building at 601 Texan Trail in Corpus Christi, Texas, the new center provides comprehensive individualized care for patients recovering from a heart attack, cardiac surgery, or other qualifying diagnosis. Based on the recommendations of the referring physician, the rehabilitation center provides three phases of rehabilitation services, including inpatient (phase 1), outpatient (phase 2), and maintenance (phase 3).

Equipped with treadmills, stationary bicycles, free weights, and ergometers to improve upper-body strength, the new center provides patients enrolled in the program with support and guidance in achieving cardiovascular fitness as they work to develop a healthier lifestyle. The medically supervised program includes exercise training and education on healthy living, nutrition, and stress reduction methods, among other topics.

"It is important that patients are aware of the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation; it reduces the risk of future cardiac events by stabilizing, slowing, or even reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease through medical management, exercise, education, and diet," says Thomas Alexander, MD, medical director of cardiology at Corpus Christi Medical Center.

CCMC's rehabilitation center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and accepts new patients. Complimentary valet services are available, and self-parking is free. For more information about cardiac rehabilitation, please call 361-761-2790.