Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab helped Carol Carr build confidence and camaraderie during her heart recovery

When Carol Carr underwent two cardiac catheterizations and had stents put in after experiencing severe angina, she began a health journey back to her once-active lifestyle. But it wasn’t just the procedure that helped her heal-it was the time she spent in the 12-week Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Whole-person care through the Pritikin pillars

Unlike other cardiac rehab programs, Pritikin’s approach is comprehensive, built on three pillars: regular exercise, healthy nutrition and emotional well-being. For Carol, that holistic focus made all the difference.

About 10 years ago, after undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery, Carol participated in a different cardiac rehab program. She feels her recent time in the Pritikin program was a better fit for her needs. "This program is so much more educational," she says. "It covers many facets of recovery and what it means to live with a heart condition; not just physically but emotionally and nutritionally too."

A life-changing experience

"This program has, in many ways, given me my life back," Carol shares. "I lead a fairly active lifestyle, and the angina had cramped my style. It’s been wonderful to feel better again."

She also credits the Sentara Martha Jefferson team members with making each session feel safe and personal. "Not only are they skilled with the issues that a cardiac patient faces, but they also take it one step further, developing relationships while using their expertise to assess your goals," says Carol.

A monitored exercise environment

Starting exercise again after a heart event can be daunting, but Carol says the Pritikin program made it feel safe.

"When you have a cardiac event, it’s a real wake-up call. You feel vulnerable," she says. "You know you need to make changes, but you’re not sure how far you can push your body because you feel like it’s given out on you."

She finds reassurance in the staff’s close monitoring of participants while they exercise. "The beauty of cardiac rehab is it’s a safe environment to learn how to get active again," she shares. "There’s great comfort in knowing they’re monitoring you the whole time,"

Team members take blood pressures, monitor EKG recordings and keep a close eye on how participants’ bodies respond to the workouts, which are tailored to each individual.
Carol says the experience helped her rebuild her strength and confidence. "I’ve made major improvements in my physical fitness, and I can feel the difference," she says.
Carol even joined her local YMCA to keep exercising after the program.

Nutrition that works in real life

The cooking demonstrations in the program’s working kitchen are a highlight for many participants, who enjoy the in-person learning and tastings that demonstrate just how flavorful and heart-healthy eating can be.

From new recipes to smart ingredient swaps, it’s all about building lifelong habits that support recovery and taste great, too. The demonstrations take place weekly, making healthy eating approachable, practical and fun.

Carol learned she needed to incorporate more protein into her diet and credits the hands-on experience and one-on-one nutrition counseling with Sentara dietitian Mary VanNortwick with making the dietary changes feel doable and not overwhelming.

Friendship and emotional support

Beyond the physical gains, Carol found deep emotional healing and lasting friendships.

Carol shares there’s something compelling about connecting with others who understand what it’s like to face a heart event and go through recovery. "It’s wonderful when you know that person experienced a heart episode and the fear that goes along with it; it’s a special camaraderie that you develop."

In group classes, patients ask questions about their situations, often sparking conversations that benefit the whole class. "People can ask questions about their specific situation," Carol says. "It helps everyone else in the class who may not have thought to ask."

Carol continues to meet a 92-year-old woman she met in class and considers her an inspiration. "We have tea once a month, talk about our health and support each other’s journey," she says.

"Heart disease isn’t something you can see or identify easily," she adds. "It helps to talk to people who truly understand."

Safe, supported and stronger

With monitored exercise, expert support and the motivation of peers, Carol says she regained strength, confidence and control over her health. For her, Pritikin wasn’t just a heart recovery plan; it was a pathway back to a more active life full of connection and confidence.

Interested in Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab?

Patients who have experienced a recent heart event require a referral to the program. Please discuss this with your doctor or cardiologist to obtain a referral to the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program.