Mega Doctor News
Each year, more than 800,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association, and approximately one in four of those events are repeat occurrences.
For individuals recovering from a heart attack or other cardiac condition, rehabilitation plays a critical role in helping prevent future cardiovascular complications and supporting a safe return to daily activities.
“Recovering from a heart attack or other cardiac event involves much more than healing physically. Cardiac rehabilitation provides patients with the education, support and guidance they need to make meaningful lifestyle changes that can improve their heart health, reduce the risk of future complications and ultimately enhance their quality of life,” said Dr. Federico Azpurua, an interventional cardiologist with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics who serves as the medical director of STHS Heart’s Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) Center. “By helping patients build healthy habits and confidence in managing their condition, cardiac rehabilitation serves as a critical bridge between treatment and long-term wellness.”
Through a comprehensive approach that combines supervised exercise, nutrition education, lifestyle coaching and stress management, STHS Heart’s ICR program, developed in partnership with Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab, helps participants build strength and endurance, adopt healthier habits and improve their overall well-being.
For Rio Grande Valley residents recovering from a cardiac event, the program provides an advanced pathway to recovery.
Offering more extensive education and lifestyle intervention than traditional rehabilitation programs, the ICR program equips participants with the knowledge, resources and support needed to make lasting changes that promote better cardiovascular outcomes.
“What makes intensive cardiac rehabilitation unique is its focus on addressing the lifestyle factors that contribute to heart disease, not simply helping patients recover after a medical event,” said Dr. Azpurua. “By combining medically supervised exercise with education on nutrition, stress management and healthy living, we can empower patients to make sustainable changes that support their long-term well-being.”
In recognition of its commitment to clinical excellence and patient outcomes, STHS Heart’s ICR program has earned a three-year recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), a distinction that reflects the program’s dedication to delivering evidence-based care and helping participants achieve lasting health improvements.
“This recertification is a testament to South Texas Health System Heart’s unwavering commitment to providing advanced cardiovascular care to the communities we serve,” said Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer of STHS Heart. “It reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and support staff to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care that helps patients recover, regain confidence and achieve the best possible long-term outcomes.”
Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.
To earn reaccreditation, STHS Heart’s ICR program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.
In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care.
“This recognition reinforces the exceptional level of cardiovascular care available to residents of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Ivory. “Patients and their families can feel confident knowing they have access to a nationally recognized program close to home that is committed to supporting their recovery and long-term wellness.”
Since launching in June 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, STHS Heart’s ICR program has served nearly 1,500 patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
The first Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program south of San Antonio and one of only two Pritikin-affiliated programs in South Texas, the program has experienced double-digit annual growth while helping participants adopt healthier lifestyles through education, medically supervised exercise and personalized support.
To learn more about the STHS Heart ICR program, visit the facility’s website at sthsheart.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Learn more about AACVPR at www.aacvpr.org/.
