This year marks the 50th anniversary of Swedish Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program. In 1971, Noel D. Nequin, MD, proposed a pioneering program focused on improving the health and well-being of patients who had a heart attack. In the 1960’s there was an increased awareness that absolute bedrest, which in those days was considered necessary after a heart attack, could result in blood clots. Thus, bedrest was shortened to 5 days, hospitalization was limited to a month and once discharged, patients were instructed to rest at home. However, Dr. Nequin believed that monitored exercise soon after a cardiac event would speed recovery and reduce a patient’s risk for a reoccurring cardiac event. His proposed cardiac exercise program to be developed at Swedish was given the green light in December, 1971 and by early 1972 Cardiac Rehab was established on the 5th floor of the main building. Patients from all over Chicago began to join Cardiac Rehab. In 1973 a walk/jog program was initiated in the basement of the Winona building. As the program continued to grow, the need for space grew. Over the years Dr. Nequin moved the program to larger spaces, from the Winona building to St. Demetrios Church and Leaning Tower YMCA and then to North Park University (NPU). 

In 1977, The Running Hearts Club, comprised of heart patients, went into action at road races and marathons. This was remarkable since in the 1970’s marathon running was not common and even more unheard of for heart patients. As an avid runner himself, Dr. Nequin knew the benefits of cardiovascular fitness. Dr. Nequin set an example by running 9 Boston Marathons, 22 total marathons, 12 50-milers, two Western States 100-Mile Endurance runs and one 24-hour run. His running accomplishments and medical knowledge set the stage for many Swedish cardiac rehab patients to participate in several Chicago marathons.  

In 1987, the LifeCenter on the Green, now the child care center, was created to house cardiac stress testing and post-cardiac event rehab, also known as Phase II, while NPU continued to be used as Phase III cardiac rehab. Having two growing programs in different locations was not optimal for Dr. Nequin. He had a  vision of having both Cardiac Rehab Phase II and Phase III housed in one state-of-the-art facility located on our campus. In 1991 with support from administrators and fundraising by hundreds of cardiac rehab patients, most notably Jack and Dollie Galter, the cardiac rehab center relocated to the newly constructed Galter LifeCenter. 

Over the past 50 years, thousands of patients have been cared for by the Cardiac Rehab staff. Today the program has grown to include pulmonary and peripheral vascular rehab. Celebrities, politicians and patients throughout the Chicagoland area sought out Dr. Nequin’s expertise. Dr. Nequin’s vision resulted in the creation of the first cardiac rehab program in the Midwest and one of the largest programs in Illinois. He is truly a pioneer in the field Medical Fitness and Cardiopulmonary rehab. Thanks to Dr. Nequin and everyone who has worked at and supported our Cardiac Rehab program over the past 50 years.