Clinical Services
Heartbeat Provides:
9 MONTH EXERCISE PROGRAMME
You can be referred to Heartbeat by a health professional or you can self refer for our 9 month exercise programme Self Referral Form if you have a history of any of the following or are at risk of developing these conditions:
- Heart attack
- Atrial fibrillation
- Stroke/TIA
- Obesity
- Angina
- Stent/Angioplasty
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease age 60yrs
- Heart bypass
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- ICP/Pacemaker
Self Referral Form – printable
Self Referral Form – electronic
Before you start your Programme
Each patient is assessed by Heartbeat prior to taking part in any of our exercise programmes. The assessment takes the form of a treadmill test, the aim of which is to determine your tolerance to exercise to ensure your safety and give you the reassurance to take part in an exercise programme.
If your circumstances allow we ask for a donation of £25 per month toward the running cost of the Programme. Alternatively, why not become a Heartbeat Volunteer.
A GP and cardiac physiologist undertake your test, they will explain the results and answer any questions you may have.
You should allow approximately 45 minutes for your initial assessment appointment. The duration of the treadmill test is variable and whilst we encourage patients to complete as much of the test as possible, patients typically manage between 2 and 9 minutes on average. Patients will not be asked to complete any more than they are comfortable with.
You should have a light meal approximately 1 hour before your treadmill test. It is also important to have had a drink of water prior to exercise.
You should take all your medication as normal prior to your treadmill test with Heartbeat unless you have specifically been asked not to.
Once your initial assessment has been completed, one of the medical team will speak to you about the results. A letter will also be sent to your GP.
- Your reading glasses
- A list of current medication
- Suitable clothing that is comfortable and does not restrict your movement
- A towel and toiletries in case you would like a shower
You will meet our Patient support officer who will take you through the next steps which include:
- The welcome pack which explains our programme and what you can expect
- Arrangement of an Induction onto the gym equipment with an instructor
- Agreement of a suitable class and time
If you don’t want to join Heartbeat as a class member, you may want to have a private Treadmill Test instead.