CARDIAC REHABILITATION
What is Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation helps to promote the recovery of people who have experienced a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or undergone heart surgery such as Coronary Artery Bypass Graft or Valve replacement. Other heart conditions may also benefit. The process assists recovery and maintenance of physical and mental health following the diagnoses of heart disease. This helps to restore confidence and improve quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation can also reduce the symptoms patients’ experience and reduce the risk of further heart events.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team
Cardiac Rehabilitation programs begins during a patient’s hospital stay. A multidisciplinary team of skilled professionals are involved including: -
• Cardiologist
• Cardiac Staff Grade
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-ordinator
• Pharmacist
• Dietician
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Social Worker
THE CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
Cardiac rehabilitation involves a continuation of exercise training, psychological and educational interventions. The process begins as soon as possible after someone is admitted to hospital with heart disease. Patients and their family are offered an education programme. A cardiac rehabilitation nurse shall also provide counselling and advice to help the patient adjust to their change in lifestyle.
The process shall continue through the early discharge period when a cardiac rehabilitation nurse shall contact the patient by telephone. This is used to continue education and assess progress. A home visit can also be carried out if necessary.
You may be invited to attend a hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme. This usually starts 4-6 weeks after your discharge. You would be required to attend the programme once per week for eight weeks.
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation programme includes eight exercise and education sessions. It helps patients recover from their heart condition, prevent further events and increases confidence.
