Innovation paves the way to improvement. So when researchers in our health care system saw the need for a better cardiac rehab app, they decided to develop VA FitHeart.

Currently in the testing phase, this app is for patients who have heart problems and are undergoing a medically supervised exercise and lifestyle program. What’s unique about VA FitHeart is that it’s designed specifically for Veterans and can send data directly to our new patient-generated database. This allows care providers to view vital information from anywhere in real time and more easily prepare reports for our electronic health record system.

If the app passes field testing, it will be released nationally for use throughout the United States. Our goal is to make cardiac rehabilitation more accessible and attractive, thus increasing participation rates and improving patient outcomes. It’s just one of the many ways our team is working to drive innovation that advances care for those who’ve served our country. And it’s all made possible by talented and ambitious professionals who are dedicated to giving back to Veterans every day.

If you’re interested in getting involved with VA’s forward-thinking innovations, explore our available cardiac positions for physicians and nurses today.

Topics in this story

Department of Veterans AffairsInnovationVAVeterans Health AdministrationVHA

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7 Comments

  1. David N Lambert June 3, 2017 at 11:56

    A step in the right direction. The Army used some solvents in the ’60s and ’70s that over time and exposure caused or contributed to irregular heartbeat arrhythmia. Offering recognition of this in the form of a study would be helpful to many Veterans.

  2. Joseph Lawrence Williams June 2, 2017 at 16:52

    I am receiving excellent CHF care at the Dallas VA Hospital. Dr. Gupta is seeing me on a weekly basis and even calls at home to check on me. The PharmD in the anticoagulation clinic, Danni, is seeing me regularly to monitor the new Warfarin program I have been put on. Dr. Gupta is installing a device called CARDIOMEMS one week after suggesting it. It is a day surgery procedure that will be installed in my pulmonary artery to monitor fluids entering my lungs. I could not expect better treatment from a private hospital. I have been going to the Dallas VAMC for over ten years and I receive excellent care and attention from all departments, including Primary care, Oncology, Pain Management, Prosthetics, Blood Lab, Xray (MRI & CTI) and the ER. I could not be happier in some other venue. These guys really care.

  3. chuck davis June 2, 2017 at 16:09

    I had a triple bypass procedure at Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, In, in 2016.
    I vetted the cardio surgeon before the procedure…..was pleased to find him well regarded in his field.
    I received excellent care and superb treatment in CCU and the stepdown unit.
    Just my input on VA care!!!!

  4. Richard Braun June 2, 2017 at 11:53

    Richard Arthur Braun, I’m scheduled for open heart surgery 5 June, Miami, VA hospital. They are putting in a new Aorta Valve, a new Mitril Valve and possible Aorta Root repair or replacement as I have an aneurysm at the base of the root. I would like to become a test subject for this new Cardiac rehab app. if possible. My clinic is in Cape Coral Fl.

  5. Freddy Lee Hendon June 2, 2017 at 11:29

    I had heart surgery in 2013 and the only cardiologist I have seen with the va was a Dr Ma in the Houston va and his appointment was an insult. I am fortunate to have private insurance that provides me full medical so I am covered. I used the va for medication and lab work. They are good for that.

  6. Leatha Anise Brown June 2, 2017 at 10:29

    This article is very helpful and needed information. I along with other fellow VA employees here at Overton Brooks have just submitted a 100-day project related to implementing cardiac rehabilitation for our Veterans in our cardiology department. This innovation will help us to have more information to incorporate in the research that we are currently doing for our presentation.

  7. Danny Cannan June 2, 2017 at 10:06

    Cardiac rehab?? Where?? i have been going to VA Nashville for 3yrs now and they could care less about me and any rehab on my heart.I have seriously bad heart problems and i cant even see a real cardiologist.Ive been treated by a MP all this time.I have gotton worse and worse.All they want is for Vets to die so we will go away!! VA is and always will be a Joke!!!

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