February is designated as Heart Month, and the American Heart Association must love the free publicity. Red hearts multiply to the millionth degree in February, propagated by retailers shooting cupid’s arrow at consumers for Valentines Day, meanwhile the clinicians at Logan Health’s hospitals and clinics hope the red takeover will remind everyone to take better care of their heart health.
“The heart is a muscle, and you need to exercise it,” said Stephanie Senn, cardiopulmonary clinical rehabilitation specialist at Logan Health – Whitefish. “You need to build cardiac strength and stamina to do the things you want to do.”
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is an outpatient service offered at Logan Health – Whitefish, as well as at Logan Health Medical Fitness Center in Kalispell. The specialized therapy is prescribed by cardiologists for patients after receiving a new cardiac diagnosis or surgery to help get the heart and the body back in shape.
Similar to how an orthopedic injury, such as a torn ACL, may need surgery followed by physical therapy to return to activities, cardiac rehabilitation is prescribed to get the heart and body conditioned, so they can return to regular activities after a heart attack or procedure.
“Each patient’s program is individualized to focus on what that patient’s needs are,” said Kristy Tveidt, RN, patient coordinator for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Logan Health – Whitefish. “They come in two to three times a week to exercise while being monitored by our certified rehabilitation specialists.”
Each patient’s vitals are watched closely and tracked by one of the cardiopulmonary specialists. They provide monthly updates to their physician, and if an issue or abnormality arise, the specialist monitoring the patient will reach out to the patient’s physician for follow up.
“We are advocates for our patients while also being their coach and cheerleader,” Tveidt added. “In addition to the exercise, we educate our patients on diet. Exercise and diet combined make a big impact on heart health.”
Logan Health – Whitefish’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team can also arrange for patients to meet with the hospital’s dietitian or a respiratory therapist during their session.
“We assess all of their potential risk factors and make a positive impact on them,” added Senn.
Tveidt has been the lead of the program in Whitefish since it was established in July 2015 and Senn joined the team in 2017.
An extension of the Logan Health Medical Fitness Center (then Summit Medical Fitness Center) cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, Whitefish’s program started with a team of two, including Tveidt and an exercise specialist. They held one class for three half-days a week within the hospital. By the end of the year, they had 322 visits. Gradually, the program grew to offer full days and added staff with the expansion to six classes.
By 2024, there was enough demand to offer 11 classes five days a week with a staff of six. In 2025, Whitefish’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team had more than 4,000 visits.
“Our goal is to help our patients reach their goal, to increase their confidence and get them back to the way they were before their heart event,” said Senn. “Whether it’s skiing, hiking, hunting or enjoying time with their kids and grandkids, we want them to feel safe doing what they love.”
Logan Health – Whitefish’s team is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation. For more information visit logan.org/heart.
Article as seen in the Whitefish Pilot.