Home-Based
Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular health after a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac conditions. It combines physical activity, education, and support to help you recover safely, manage symptoms, and prevent future heart issues.

Why Cardiac Rehab?

Traditionally offered in clinical settings, Chicago Cardiology Institute now makes cardiac rehab more accessible than ever through our at-home program powered by RomTherapy. With guided exercise, real-time feedback, and professional monitoring in the comfort of your home, you can strengthen your heart and your future.

"Individuals who attend 36 sessions have a 47% lower risk of death and a 31% lower risk of heart attack than those who attend only 1 session."*

- Million Hearts®, a national initiative co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

*Cardiac Rehabilitation at a Glance. Million Hearts®. (2020).

Is Home-Based Cardiac Rehab for You?

The following are the key diagnoses that qualify for rehab:

CABG (Heart Bypass Surgery): No time limit for beginning rehab.
Stable Angina Pectoris: No time limit for beginning rehab.
Valve Replacement/Repair/TAVR: No time limit for beginning rehab.
Heart Failure (EF < 35%): Early rehab is beneficial and has no time limit.
Myocardial Infarction (MI): Ideal to start rehab within 1 year of the event.
PTCA/Stent Placement: No time limit for beginning rehab.

Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best time to start based on your specific situation.

Chicago Cardiology Institute Has Partnered with RomTherapy to Bring You a Unique Home-Based Cardiac Rehab Solution

The RomTherapy PortableConnect® is a specialized, clinically validated device that brings your rehabilitation directly to your home. This system is designed to guide you through gentle, adaptive pedal exercises, ensuring your movements are precise and beneficial.

A key feature of the PortableConnect is its ability to keep you closely connected to your care team: you will be connected through live video calls and continuously monitor your vital signs. This integrated approach allows you to recover safely and comfortably, seamlessly incorporating your therapy into your daily routine.

Are You a Candidate for Home-Based Cardiac Rehab?

You may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation if you’ve experienced:

A heart attack
Angina or coronary artery disease
Heart surgery (bypass, stent placement, or valve repair)
Heart failure
A pacemaker or ICD implant

We often recommend a home-based program for people who:

Have limited access to a clinic
Prefer to rehab in the comfort of your home
Want flexibility without compromising quality of care

What to Expect for Your Home-Based Cardiac Rehab

Before

You’ll meet with your care team to review your medical history, set personalized recovery goals, and verify that at-home rehab is right for you. Once cleared, we’ll deliver the PortableConnect® to your home and provide step-by-step training.

During Use

Over the 4–8 week program, you’ll complete approximately 36 guided sessions—typically 3–5 per week. Each session includes gentle, structured pedal therapy, with your vital signs (heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) monitored in real time. Your cardiac rehab specialist will join via live video to supervise, support, and, if needed, adjust your exercise plan based on your progress.

This timeframe provides enough intensity and consistency to help patients rebuild cardiovascular strength, establish healthy routines, and complete the full cardiac rehab course—without extending into long-term use

After

At the end of your program, you’ll likely have stronger cardiovascular function, better mobility, and a personalized long-term wellness plan to maintain your heart health.

RomTechGuide

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The Benefits and Risks of Home-Based Cardiac Rehab

Benefits of At-Home Cardiac Rehab:

Improves heart function and overall endurance
Supports safer recovery with professional oversight
Reduces hospital readmission rates
Convenient and accessible—no travel required
Boosts confidence and independence
Encourages long-term heart-healthy habits

Risks to Consider:

Mild muscle soreness after activity
Rare risk of overexertion without proper supervision
Requires adherence and engagement to be effective

Your cardiologist will help determine if home-based rehab is right for you, ensuring your program is both safe and effective.

Vein & Vascular Care

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Non-Thermal Adhesive Vein Ablation Procedures
Non-Thermal Sclerosant Vein
Stab Phlebectomy
Sclerotherapy

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Procedural Lab
(In-Office)

We treat Congestive Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, Angina and all other major cardiac conditions.

Peripheral Angiogram
Peripheral Angioplasty
Peripheral Atherectomy
Peripheral Vascular Intervention Procedures
Renal Angiography