HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Opens Expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation Center

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, which has moved into a newly-renovated building.

Within walking distance of the former Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, the new facility is located at 1020 Titan Court Suite 101 – and more than doubled its space from 992 square feet to 2,300 square feet – including a gym with upgraded equipment, exam room, two patient treatment rooms and two changing rooms. 

Cardiac rehabilitation at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is an outpatient program specifically designed to help patients who have suffered from a heart attack, have had cardiac surgery or have received a qualifying diagnosis from a physician. Patients participate in monitored exercise sessions and receive nutritional counseling, stress management, emotional support and education as they work to develop a healthier lifestyle.

“This is such an important part of the treatment of the patients – just as important as some of the medications we prescribe,” said Dr. Juan Zarate, cardiologist and medical director for HCA Florida Fort Walton Destin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center. 

Patient Jose Garcia, 78, recently completed the program after undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in July.

The retired Air Force veteran, who says his life and passion is playing golf, spent nearly 20 years on various medications and had previously received five heart stents to open clogged arteries. 

“When I started playing golf, I was playing up to five days a week,” Garcia said. “Then later on, I was only playing three days a week, and it was too much. I was getting so tired.”

After completing the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Garcia says he’s back to doing what he loves five days a week.

“I’m feeling great. I just left the golf course,” he said. “Everyone did a phenomenal job taking care of my 78-year-old body and making me feel brand new!” 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital requires a physician referral. For a free physician referral or to speak with a registered nurse 24/7, please call Consult-A-Nurse at (850) 864-0213. For more information about our cardiac services, call (850) 863-7592 or visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.