Colorado musician back with the band thanks to new virtual cardiac rehab program.
Arlene Lehman loves to play the keyboard and sing. She even plays in a local band. One day during practice there was the usual music in the air, but there was also trouble in her heart.
She felt unusually tired after practice and later had trouble breathing. She was having a heart attack and was soon on her way to the hospital.
My Kaiser Permanente team made me feel that it was a new start, a new lease on life. I feel stronger and healthier and I’m enjoying life more than ever. Arlene Lehman
After surgery to address blockages and blood clots, Lehman became one of the first patients to enroll in Kaiser Permanente’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program in Colorado.
Kaiser Permanente of Colorado launched the program in August 2023 and soon dozens of members were completing most of their recovery at home.
“I had a choice either to go into Kaiser Permanente each week or to go once to get a stress test and an assessment and then do it virtually,” said Lehman, a Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage member. “I chose to do it virtually to save the time and the effort and the gas money.”
Lucas Marzec, MD, medical director of the Kaiser Permanente program in Colorado, says in-home rehab is a better option for many patients to regain and maintain heart health.
“We know that cardiac rehab is effective. However, most eligible people don't participate for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Marzec. “And Kaiser Permanente research has found that patients who participate in virtual cardiac rehab are far more likely to complete the program than those who participate in traditional in-person programs.”
And Kaiser Permanente research has found that patients who participate in virtual cardiac rehab are far more likely to complete the program than those who participate in traditional in-person programs. Lucas Marzec, MD
Across Kaiser Permanente, more than 80% of patients who join the home-based program complete it, compared to a national average of less than 50%. Patients in the program are readmitted to the hospital for cardiac issues at a rate of less than 2%, compared to 10% to 15% for most programs.
Participants are sent home with a smartwatch, a remote blood pressure cuff, and a personalized exercise and diet plan. Data from the watch and the blood pressure cuff goes to their care team via an app on their smartphone.
“We meet once a week virtually and we go over any concerns that I have,” said Lehman. “And I'm wearing a smartwatch, so they have access to my blood pressure, my heart rate, my oxygen level, all my vital signs daily. And we go over anything that they see that they're concerned about.
They counsel me on nutrition, on exercise. I hate to exercise, but I have an exercise program they designed especially for me, and it's very motivational.”
Thanks to her Kaiser Permanente care team and her personal commitment to her healthy lifestyle, Lehman is back to the things she loves including playing and singing with the band.
“I feel like I have a new lease on life. I felt so damaged afterwards, I thought, oh, this happened and my life is over. And it wasn't over,” she said. “My Kaiser Permanente team made me feel that it was a new start, a new lease on life. I feel stronger and healthier and I’m enjoying life more than ever.”
For more information, please visit Kaiser Permanente’s cardiac rehabilitation and recovery services.
In August 2023, John Lynn collapsed at work. For the next year, he fought …
After a long period of loneliness and isolation, Roberta Maguire gets the …
This innovative plan more affordably adds choice and flexibility to Kaiser …
Miriam Gutierrez was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer at age 31. …
New medical offices will enhance the health care experience for members …
With the support of his health care team and nurse navigator, musician …
After a life-threatening series of heart attacks at age 57, Bunnell Fockler …
Donna Budway received prompt surgery followed by chemotherapy. She credits …
A basketball coach’s remarkable story of undergoing brain tumor surgery …
Support from a dedicated care team helps Tiffany Anonye breastfeed her …
A mother and daughter share a special bond after undergoing tonsillectomies …
Kaiser Permanente in San Diego helped plan a special send-off for Katie …
These guidelines ensure we use artificial intelligence tools that are safe …
Ed Dalmasso needed an aortic valve replacement. His care team provided …
Our partnership with ONEgeneration aims to prevent homelessness and improve …
A Southern California program, powered by our connected care model, is …
We track performance and safety to improve care for our members. We share …
To reduce barriers, Food Bank of the Rockies’ Culturally Responsive Food …
The Kaiser Permanente Colorado Health Action Summit gathered nonprofits, …
When a newborn was diagnosed with meningitis, a life-threatening infection …
Delivering multiple babies is difficult, but Kaiser Permanente care teams …
Chris Hogan faced kidney cancer and prostate cancer at the same time. He …
Participate in a study to help uncover the causes of cancer and how to …
A young father is enjoying “bonus time” with his kids thanks to new targeted …
Patients like Carol Pitman are living longer thanks to advances in lung …
Our researchers are learning about brain health and ways to reduce the …
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed after a new baby’s arrival? You’re not …
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, …
Kaiser Permanente is committed to finding ways to help reduce falls in …
It’s easy to put off recommended health screenings, and sometimes even …
Black Americans experience worse health outcomes compared to other populations …
Lynch syndrome is a gene mutation that increases colon cancer risk. Learn …
Kaiser Permanente researcher Dori Rosenberg shares the importance of being …
Virtual cardiac rehab helped Mike Kelly heal at home after a life-threatening …
With the right policies and partnerships, artificial intelligence can lead …
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
A new Kaiser Permanente facility in Bellflower, California, makes customized …
Care teams at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center helped Phillip Crawford …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
Innovative surgical recovery program helps breast cancer patients safely …
You have only one heart. ‘Prescribe’ yourself a few changes to help protect …
One of the best ways to prevent future heart conditions is knowing what …
CityHealth’s 2023 Annual Policy Assessment awards cities for their policies …
Tookie Gentilcore returns to enjoying life thanks to a quick, safe method …
People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease.
The Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center becomes our 11th …
Our researchers are leading the way to more effective, affordable, and …
In Oregon, our stroke teams are providing patients with industry-leading …
Kaiser Permanente receives 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality of care …
Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare health plans are rated either …
Greg A. Adams; Maria Ansari, MD, FACC; and Ramin Davidoff, MD, have been …
As a lifelong nonsmoker, Mariann Stephens was shocked to learn she had …
Dr. Yong Shin shares how people with heart disease can live longer, while …
The use of a ventricular assist device implant gives one Oregon woman the …
Our Advanced Care at Home program provides high-quality, safe care in familiar …
It’s never too late to quit smoking. At Kaiser Permanente, we can help …
Joy Short, a Kaiser Permanente member and employee, turned her breast cancer …
Nari Gopala, Kaiser Permanente’s chief digital officer, answers 3 questions …
If you have an ongoing health condition, you know it can be tricky to keep …
The Thriving Schools program helps educators and students in Colorado integrat …
Fit and focused, an Oregon father and runner rebounds after an aortic valve …
For years, serious heart attacks meant hours of weekly appointments. Now, …
Members give video visits high marks — and with a few simple tips, you …
Our health plans are again rated among the nation’s best for overall treatment …
Kaiser Permanente’s adoption of disruptive technology in the 1970s sparked …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Excessive heat and pollution can increase your risk of experiencing dangerous …
Stories in the Department of Research & Evaluation 2022 Annual Report demonstr …
Kaiser Permanente is at the forefront of cervical cancer research. Find …
A Kaiser Permanente cardiologist shares advice on how to stay safe, what …
After a diagnosis for a rare type of blood cancer, Marla Marriott got high-qua …
Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center achieves coveted Magnet® …
Learn how lifestyle medicine is part of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Fay Gordon's breast cancer was caught in the early stages thanks to genetic …
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Bridge Program has become …
Help change the future of cancer prevention by joining Connect today.
A reminder that men and women can assert control over risk factors that …
Thanks to personalized care from a team of skilled doctors, Christina McAmis …
Peer mentoring program matches new cancer patients with others who’ve gone …
When thousands of women industrial workers, often called “Rosies,” joined …
A member’s cancer journey, which took her from patient to employee, reflects …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …
After a traumatic boating accident, Gabriela Curiel was airlifted to the …
New research shows blood pressure patterns early in pregnancy can identify …
Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults provides support for strengtheni …
When a Kaiser Permanente member discovered she had an irregular heartbeat …
A Southern California member with Parkinson’s disease underwent deep brain …
When a stroke happens, minutes matter, and Kaiser Permanente treats strokes …
California’s Department of Health Care Services rates our Medi-Cal plans …
Member achieves bucket list goal of helping to build a Rose Parade float, …
Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii leads the state in 60 care quality measures. …
A Kaiser Permanente member’s cancer journey inspires her to join the team …
To meaningfully improve health equity, we must shift our focus to outcomes …
Kaiser Permanente is the first health care organization to win Design Company …
Learn about our rich legacy of scientific research that spurred revolutionary …
New care option offers pregnant patients a mix of in-person and video visits.
A Kaiser Permanente physician shares why quick detection and expert treatment …
He needed help coping with back pain while ending his reliance on opioids. …
Kaiser Permanente hospitals are recognized by Newsweek for exceptional …