Choosing Life: A Heart-Healthy Journey with CMC Cardiac Rehabilitation
Marcia Hearl, RN, has heard every excuse in the book when it comes to heart health. As the Director of CMC Cardiac Rehabilitation, she’s encountered patients who are resistant to making lifestyle changes, each with their own set of reasons for avoiding heart-healthy choices.
“I’ve listened to patients say things like, ‘Why should I care about heart disease? You have to die of something’ or ‘Just give me pills to fix my cholesterol,’” Hearl explains. “But the truth is, heart health is about proactive choices and taking control of your life.”
Her message is clear: heart disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence. In fact, many individuals successfully manage and overcome heart-related challenges through committed lifestyle modifications and professional support.
How can I make my heart healthy?
At CMC Cardiac Rehabilitation, the approach is holistic. The program doesn’t just treat heart conditions—it empowers patients to transform their lives. As the largest cardiac rehabilitation facility in the area, CMC’s program has earned certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), validating its commitment to exceptional care. This prestigious certification ensures patients receive scientifically validated rehabilitation strategies and comprehensive, multidisciplinary care aligned with national healthcare standards.
Hearl points out that while we take precautions in many areas of life—looking both ways before crossing the street, checking food for freshness, locking doors at night—we often neglect the most critical protection: our own health.
For patients who have experienced a heart attack, coronary stent, valve replacement, bypass surgery, or heart transplant within the past year, cardiac rehabilitation offers a comprehensive path to recovery. The program provides personalized strategies for nutrition, exercise, stress management, and overall wellness.
How can Cardiac Rehab help my heart?
According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiac rehabilitation offers multiple critical benefits:
- Strengthening the heart muscle
- Reducing the risk of future heart problems
- Improving overall physical and mental health
- Providing education about heart-healthy living
- Offering emotional support during recovery

“There are countless success stories of people living healthier, fuller lives after a cardiac event,” Hearl emphasizes. “But these stories don’t make headlines because these individuals are too busy living—not hospitalized.”
Step 1 to a healthy heart: CMC Cardiac Rehab
The good news? Insurance often covers cardiac rehabilitation, making professional support accessible. For those beyond their first year of cardiac intervention, CMC offers a maintenance program designed to support ongoing heart health.
Research published by the Mayo Clinic suggests that patients who complete cardiac rehabilitation have a 50% lower risk of death from heart disease compared to those who do not participate in such programs. This statistic underscores the critical importance of comprehensive cardiac care and rehabilitation.
By choosing Conway Medical Center’s AACVPR-certified cardiac rehabilitation program, patients access premier cardiovascular recovery services designed to optimize health outcomes and improve quality of life. Interested in taking the first step towards a heart-healthy life? Contact the CMC Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 843-347-8153 for more information.
Remember: Your heart health is a choice. Choose life, choose wellness.
What does it mean to be AACVPR-certified?
Conway Medical Center is proud to have our Cardiac Rehabilitation program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). As the largest cardiac rehabilitation facility in our area, this national certification validates our commitment to delivering exceptional cardiovascular recovery services.
What This Means for Our Patients
AACVPR certification signifies that our cardiac rehabilitation program meets rigorous national standards for patient care, clinical quality, and performance. This recognition ensures our patients receive:
- Scientifically validated rehabilitation strategies
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary cardiovascular care
- Evidence-based treatment aligned with national healthcare standards
- Personalized recovery approaches supporting long-term heart health
By choosing Conway Medical Center’s certified cardiac rehabilitation program, patients access premier cardiovascular recovery services designed to optimize health outcomes and improve quality of life.