Cardiac Diagnostics
Cardiac Rehabilitation
The aim of this information is to welcome you onto our Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme and to discuss the exercise journey that will be available to you and help you to prepare for the classes.
At first you may feel nervous or apprehensive about exercising, however this is perfectly normal and you are not alone. You will be surprised at how quickly cardiac rehabilitation can help you build your confidence levels back up. You may also learn a few new skills and knowledge along the way.
Physical activity and exercise is beneficial to anybody, even if you have never exercised before. Evidence tells us that as we get fitter, the function of our heart improves. There are hundreds of benefits to exercise that will be highlighted during the programme. Some other important benefits include:
- Significantly reducing the chance of further heart problems.
- Strengthening our heart so more blood is pumped around the body in each beat.
- Improving our quality of life and feelings of self-worth.
- Reducing stress and anxiety levels which may lead to depression.
After you have been discharged from hospital, you should be contacted by your local Cardiac Rehabilitation team. You will be invited along to attend an assessment at your local clinic. The assessment consists of a review of your current symptoms and medication, which will help devise a plan of what you are able to do next. This assessment may include a small walking test if you feel able to do so, however, this is nothing to worry about and will not cause you any harm.
Following your assessment we are able to offer you some group exercise sessions. We can discuss with you what class would be most beneficial for you to attend, based upon your general health and ability. The class will be once or twice a week depending on the day chosen.
When you arrive for the class you will have your blood pressure and heart rate checked followed by some individual exercise that will be tailored for your own individual needs. This is then followed by an educational talk from a Cardiac Rehab Nurse, Exercise Physiologist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist or a Dietician. Each week you will receive a different talk in regards to your heart health.
Following your cardiac rehab programme, you have the option to attend some of our phase IV gym locations in the community for an additional 12 weeks of exercise for free. Please ask a member of the cardiac rehab team for further information about this.
- Wear suitable footwear and clothing. You will be doing a variety of exercises so make sure you are comfortable, not restricted and safe. Please note that flip flops, heeled shoes or boots and sandals are not appropriate.
- Make sure you have eaten and had a drink at least an hour before exercise.
- Try not to smoke before exercising as smoking constricts coronary arteries and limits the amount of blood flow to deliver oxygen to the heart via the arteries.
- Make sure you have taken your medication as normal and you bring with you your GTN spray (if you have one).
- If you suffer from diabetes please bring along your blood glucose monitoring pack and a suitable snack in the event of becoming hypoglycaemic.
- Make sure you keep yourself hydrated before, during and after exercise.
Yes it is. You will be closely monitored during your time with us, recording your heart rate and how you are feeling (RPE –rate of perceived exertion). All of this will be assisted and explained to you at the beginning of the class.
It is important when exercising that you warm up before exercise and cool down after exercise. By warming up and cooling down we are helping to protect our body from injury and preparing our heart and muscles for exercise. This will be included in the exercise class as a group and led by an Exercise Physiologist.
Reduces risk of |
Improves |
Cardiovascular Disease | Cholesterol Levels |
Coronary Heart Disease | Heart Function |
Heart Attack & Stroke | Energy Levels |
Overweight & Obesity | Mobility |
Osteoarthritis | Stamina / Breathlessness |
Osteoporosis | Strength |
Anxiety, Stress & Depression | Balance |
Developing Diabetes | Flexibility |
Some Cancers | Resting Blood Pressure & Heart Rate |
Falls & Fractures | Mood |
Social Isolation | Self-confidence |
Most importantly Cardiac Rehabilitation will strive to help support you to increase your independence and quality of life.
- Medication Changes – If you have any changes in your medication please write it down and bring it along to your next cardiac rehab class.
- Changes or new diagnoses- Please speak to one of the team and inform them of this.
- If you are unwell or on antibiotics – Please contact us to let us know that you are unwell and unable to attend the class on the number below.
- Please be aware that if you have any sickness or diarrhoea that you need to be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to the class.