Heart Care Institute: Where It All Started

At the top left, there is a heart shaped bowl with fresh whole foods in it. At the bottom of the image, there are exercise shoes and weights. Intertwined between the bowl and exercise equipment there is a black stethoscope .
  • January 13, 2023

Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) is a comprehensive lifestyle education program designed to cover three areas of an individual’s cardiac recovery: nutrition, exercise, and healthy mind-set. Education is imparted through a combination of educational videos, live workshops, cooking classes, and 1:1 consultations.

In 2013, the Heart Care Institute (HCI) located in Creve Coeur, MO became the first site to bring the Pritikin ICR program to life. Since then, Heart Care Institute has…

  • Administered >101,000 ICR sessions
  • Seen nearly 70% of participants attend at least 61 sessions
  • Graduated 2,500 ICR patients
  • Maintained a 46% education rate

Central to HCI’s success is their dynamic multidisciplinary team of exercise physiologists, nurses, dietitians, and students. They are fortunate to have a fully engaged medical director and supportive administration. In addition to the staff working with patients in the gym and providing education, there is a staff member that welcomes and checks patients in upon arrival and liaison staff who visit patients at their partner hospital. HCI offers the Pritikin ICR program to cardiac patients that includes 1:1 consults with a registered dietitian, live cooking presentations, and group lifestyle education workshops. The HCI team never stops looking for ways to support their patients’ full recovery process and improve their patient offerings!

In 2022, Heart Care Institute added to Pritikin ICR’s evidence-based research with their own published study  - Benefits of the First Pritikin Outpatient Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programpublished in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention. The team at HCI continue to shine as leaders with their Pritikin ICR program.

Patients appreciate the team’s dedication! Many Pritikin ICR program graduates from HCI have returned to share their appreciation and gratitude. Below are just a few comments the team has received from their happy patients:

"This has been a great experience. I found it motivating to do more while in a very safe environment. I really appreciate the opportunity to be part of this program. I will miss all of you!"
"I looked forward to both classes. Learned new behaviors from dietitians and I noticed more movement in my life."
"I can’t even begin to thank you all for everything - I'm Here because of all of you - words can't convey how much I love all of you."
"This program has really helped me a lot. My whole way of thinking about eating and exercise has changed."
"Thank you! This has been great! Both the education and the exercise! I definitely feel like my health has improved! God Bless you <3"
"This program was a great motivator for me, and the videos/classes were informative to my husband and me. Thank you!"
"THANK YOU ALL!! The totality of education in this program was excellent! Great combination of learning and exercise with good and friendly staff."
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More to Discover

Whether at the long-standing Pritikin Longevity Center or one of our many licensed ICR facilities nationwide, Pritikin is making life-changing impacts on thousands of lives, every day.  Hear directly from providers and patients as you learn more about our decades-long history and our continued message of healing and hope.