Heart Health Awareness - WTOC
Feb. 12, 2026 — In recognition of American Heart Month, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals of Bluffton and Savannah are spotlighting the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and the education patients receive to support long-term heart health.
Dr. Vincent Somaio, medical director at Encompass Health Bluffton, and Susan Parys, director of therapy operations at Encompass Health Savannah, joined WTOC's Health Break to discuss the signs of potential heart issues and the role rehabilitation plays in recovery.
Somaio explained that the most common warning signs include chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath and pain that radiates to the arm or jaw. Other symptoms may include nausea, sweating or unusual fatigue.
“Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in our country,” Somaio said. “Prevention is key and helps people avoid the long-term side effects and complications we often see. The biggest warning sign or symptom would be chest pain or chest pressure. If someone feels chest pain or pressure, contact a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.”
When a person does experience a cardiac event, there are programs designed to help with recovery. Parys highlighted that Encompass Health's cardiac rehabilitation program helps patients rebuild strength while learning how to care for their heart moving forward.
“Cardiac rehabilitation is what we focus on at Encompass Health Savannah and Encompass Health Bluffton,” Parys said. “Rehabilitation includes therapy as well as education on heart-healthy living. Patients learn about nutrition, exercise, medication management and lifestyle changes that support long-term heart health.”
The cardiac rehabilitation services available at both Encompass Health hospitals in Savannah, Georgia, and Bluffton, South Carolina, combine physical therapy, monitored exercise and education on heart-healthy living to support patients recovering from cardiac events.