Olympic Medical Center CEO Eric Lewis announced at the medical center’s board of commissioners meeting last week that Olympic Medical Heart Center achieved certification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation programs in Sequim and Port Angeles by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems — heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stenting, etc. — recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

“The Heart Center chose to seek certification of its rehabilitation programs to confirm our current practices, and provide a catalyst to us to ensure we meet the highest standards,” Leonard Anderson, Olympic Medical Heart Center manager, said.

At Olympic Medical Heart Center, the cardiovascular programs are known as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. These comprehensive programs include exercise, risk factor education and lifestyle modification. Individual treatment plans are based on risk stratification, medical history and goals.

Find more information about the Heart Center rehabilitation programs at www.olympicmedical.org (click on “Services” and “Heart Center”) or by calling 360-417-7486.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available, OMC officials say. The certification is valid for three years.

The cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Olympic Medical Heart Center operates under the oversight of Dr. Kara Urnes, cardiologist, medical director. The program certification effort was led by Lindi Matthews, heart center rehabilitation coordinator, with support of staff members Shelby Kotzerke, RN, Sherry Xiong, Kaya Starker, Raymond Martinez and Cliff Franz.