Baptist Hospital First in Area to Offer Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation

8/18/2025

Recovery from a serious heart event can feel overwhelming. To return to a maximum level of heart health, cardiac rehabilitation has long been the standard protocol for healing and regaining strength. Baptist Hospital is the first in Northwest Florida to offer an elevated level intensive cardiac rehabilitation through a partnership with Pritikin ICR™.

While traditional cardiac rehab places significant emphasis on exercise, the Pritikin ICR™ program uses a comprehensive approach that also incorporates the roles of healthy eating and a positive mindset. The Medicare-approved, evidence-based program highlights education and gives patients double the number of rehab sessions – up from 36 to 72. The program helps individuals who have experienced serious heart events reduce their risk factors by building healthy habits and learning practical skills that promote long-term health.

Patients who have suffered from one of seven cardiovascular events are eligible to enroll in the program, which is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Qualifying events include heart attack, coronary artery bypass, heart valve repair or replacement, angioplasty and stents, heart/lung transplant, heart failure and angina/chest pain.

“We are thrilled to offer this comprehensive program that aligns our current cardiovascular services and our vision to offer a holistic approach to care,” said Beau Pollard, Baptist Hospital Administrator “In addition to medically supervised exercise, patients will receive guidance from our team of experts in the fields of medicine, exercise, nutrition and mental health.”

Education sessions cover heart-healthy eating; recognizing and reducing stress; understanding medications and the importance of compliance; tobacco cessation; biomechanical limitations; the importance of a healthy mindset; healthy sleep techniques; and many other topics. The goal is for patients to have the tools they can use in everyday life to help them reduce their risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

The Baptist Hospital Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department is located in the Bear Family Foundation Health Center at 125 Baptist Way in Pensacola. To learn more, call 448.227.6220.