A patient’s medical history may include heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, chest pain, cardiomyopathy, certain congenital heart diseases, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty and stents, heart or lung transplant, heart valve repair or replacement, and pulmonary hypertension.

During Cardiac Rehabilitation, the program's first stages generally last about three months, but some people will follow the program longer. The program will include a medical evaluation, physical activity, lifestyle education, and support. Over the long term, patients improve strength, adopt heart-healthy behaviors, cut bad health habits, manage weight, find ways to manage stress, learn to cope with heart disease, and decrease their risk of future events. Once patients progress through the full Cardiac Rehabilitation program, many continue to Fit for Life, another supervised exercise program that allows people who have had a cardiac event to continue with guidance until they are fully cleared and ready to exercise on their own.

Fit for Life was developed originally as an advanced stage of Cardiac Rehabilitation. It has evolved into many other health-related issues that can improve from proper exercise guidance. Fit for Life has been around for many years. This program pioneered the "exercise is medicine" philosophy in the Adirondacks. The program is a physician-advised supervised exercise program, designed and run by professional exercise physiologists. This team works with individuals for as long as they need, guiding them toward better health for their unique conditions that range from heart health to diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, weight loss, and more. This program is a vital part of the communities’ wellness.