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Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program designed to help individuals with heart conditions recover and improve their cardiovascular health. Through a combination of exercise, education, and support, it aims to improve physical fitness, reduce the risk of future heart problems, and promote overall well-being.

Cardiac rehabilitation is suitable for individuals who are:

  • Post-cardiac surgery or procedure
  • Recovering from a heart attack or cardiac arrest
  • Managing chronic heart conditions
  • At risk of heart disease (e.g., those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes)

What are the benefits?

Improved Heart Health: Improves heart function and overall cardiovascular fitness

Risk Reduction: Lowers the risk of subsequent heart events by addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Lifestyle Modification: It empowers individuals to adopt heart-healthy habits, including diet and exercise, for long-term well-being.

Improved Quality of Life: It helps individuals regain confidence, return to daily activities, and enjoy a better overall quality of life.

Emotional Well-Being: Provides emotional support, reducing anxiety and stress while fostering a positive mindset.

What Does Individual Cardiac Rehabilitation Involve?

Education: We provide you with information about your heart condition, medication and treatments We also cover topics such as how to improve your diet and maintain a healthy weight, how to recognise warning signs of a heart attack and what to do in an emergency, and how to manage stress and anxiety.

Exercise: Exercise is at the core of cardiac rehabilitation. We will guide you through an exercise program that progressively improves your strength and cardiovascular fitness, helping you return to daily activities and the things you enjoy. The type, intensity, and duration of these exercises will be tailored to your individual needs, health conditions, medical history, and current level of fitness. 

Monitoring: Throughout your cardiac rehabilitation program, we prioritise your safety and progress. We closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and levels of exertion during exercise sessions, ensuring a safe and effective program.

Continued support: We provide ongoing support and follow-up as necessary to monitor your progress, make any adjustments to your program, and offer guidance as you navigate your heart health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a referral from my doctor for cardiac rehabilitation with Heart & Lung Physio

No, you do not require a referral to access our cardiac rehabilitation program. We welcome individuals seeking to improve their heart health, and we will work directly with you to create a personalised program. However, we strongly recommend discussing your participation in our program with your GP or cardiologist, especially if you’ve recently undergone heart surgery or experienced a cardiac event. This ensures that your care is well-coordinated and aligned with your specific heart-related medical history and needs.

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How long does a typical cardiac rehabilitation program last, and how often do I need to attend sessions?

The duration of our cardiac rehabilitation program can vary based on your specific condition and progress. Generally, it lasts between 6 to 12 weeks, with the program involving exercising three times a week. One of these sessions per week will be with us, which can be conducted in your home or via telehealth, or a combination of both, throughout the program. During these sessions, we review your progress, make necessary adjustments to your program, and provide essential education components. The frequency and format of sessions will be tailored precisely to align with your goals, condition, and symptoms, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcomes.

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What exercises will be included in my cardiac rehabilitation program?

The exercises and activities included in your cardiac rehabilitation program will be tailored to your specific condition and fitness level. They might encompass cardiovascular exercises like walking and cycling, strength training with weights or resistance bands, and stretches to improve your flexibility. We will ensure that the program is safe, gradual, and aligned with your goals, condition and symptoms.

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When can I start cardiac rehabilitation after a heart procedure or surgery, do I need to wait for a specific time?

You can often start cardiac rehabilitation relatively soon after a heart procedure or surgery, once your medical team gives you the green light. The timing may vary based on the type of procedure you’ve had and your overall health but typically, cardiac rehab can commence within a few weeks after your procedure or surgery.

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Are there any potential risks or limitations I should be aware of during the program?

Cardiac rehabilitation is generally safe and well tolerated. However, as with any physical activity, there are potential considerations. We will assess your medical history, condition, and any specific limitations you might have. During the program, you might experience some temporary fatigue or mild discomfort as your body adjusts to the exercises. We will closely monitor your progress to ensure that the program is tailored to your abilities and limitations.

Contact us today to book an appointment or to learn more about our cardiac rehabilitation program

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