Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. Heartbeat provides long term cardiac rehabilitation programmes which provide education and support to enable heart patients to increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.

Many people of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehab program. You may benefit if you have or have had a: 
 

• Heart attack
• Heart condition, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), angina or heart failure
• Heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty) and stenting, valve replacement, or a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

How long do people need a cardiac rehab programme?

Your rehabilitation plan is designed to meet your needs. You may need six weeks, six months or longer to learn how to manage your condition and develop healthier habits. Heartbeat rehab programmes are designed for an initial 9 month period, however we recognise there is no absolute formula and therefore we often continue to support people on our programmes for years.

What are the benefits of attending a cardiac rehabilitation programme?

Regular physical activity helps your heart and the rest of your body get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves your energy level and lifts your spirits. It also reduces your chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.

Support and education can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

You have the advice and close supervision of  professionals to help you improve your health and lower your risk of future problems. Heartbeat's team of professionals can also communicate with your primary care doctor or cardiologist if required

How can I find out if there is a cardiac rehab programme near me?

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If you wish to access one of Heartbeat's cardiac rehab groups just give us a calll on 01772 717147 or e-mail to info@heartbeat-nwcc.org.uk. However if we don't have a session near you let us know and we will investigate further.

For many people heart illness is a long term condition. Cardiac rehabilitation is a cost effective, evidenced based approach to managing heart disease.