Cardiac Rehab

“Exercise for your heart”

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) includes any disease that affects the blood vessels and heart e.g., High BP, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure. Many of these CVDs are caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to a reduced or complete blockage of blood to the heart. This process is often slow and its effects aren’t noticed until later in life but could cause cardiac events.

Cardiac Rehab is recommended for you if you have/had:

  • Coronary heart disease
  • A heart attack or admission for angina
  • A stent procedure or heart surgery (bypass, valve or artery surgery)
  • Heart failure and cardiomyopathy
  • Heart transplant
  • A device insertion, for example, a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
  • A cardiac arrest
  • In-heart electrical rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation
  • High blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
  • A stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
  • An event (stent, PCI, CAGS).

Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a program of support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals (including Accredited Exercise Physiologists) and individualised to strengthen your heart. Following evidence-based guidelines, the program helps you make long-term lifestyle changes so you can live a longer, healthier life. Cardiac rehab is proven to keep you out of the hospital and reduce your risk of death from heart conditions.

Exercise in Cardiac Rehab is an effective and safe treatment for most people with CVDs and/or recovering from heart events such as a heart attack or bypass heart surgery. Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified professionals equipped with the knowledge to design safe and effective exercise programs for people living with, or at risk of developing chronic health conditions. Both aerobic and resistance exercises can be beneficial for those with CVDs and/or recovering from heart events, the goal should be to start small and gradually build up time and intensity from there. It’s been shown to be safe and comfortable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The benefits of exercise for those in Cardiac Rehab can include:

  • improved quality of life and psychological well-being.
  • preventing blood vessels from further narrowing.
  • reduced load on the heart at rest.
  • aids your recovery after a heart event, procedure or the diagnosis of a heart condition.
  • helps lower your chances of having heart problems in the future.

Is it safe?

Prior to beginning Cardiac Rehab, thorough evidence-based pre-screening and relevant physical testing is conducted onsite at our state-of-the-art functional rehabilitation facility to gain an understanding of the health conditions you are living with, how they impact your life and your current level of fitness. Your heart rate and oxygen saturation levels are monitored throughout the supervised session. Exercise prescription is individualised based on this information in addition to what your goals are. The program runs for 6 weeks (2x sessions per week) but it’s important to continue your healthy lifestyle changes after you’ve finished your program.

How to access the program?

Ask your General Practitioner or Specialist to refer you to our program. Before you begin, you will be booked in for a 60 minute one-on-one initial consultation with our Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Nathan Walker. We will discuss your medical history, perform evidence-based pre-screening and relevant physical testing to plan a safe starting point. Throughout the 6 weeks, your progress will be tracked and you will be progressed as clinically indicated. An initial and post-program program report will be sent to your GP and Specialist.

 

Private health fund, DVA, WorkCover, Motor Accident and Self-funded NDIS referrals are accepted.

 

Sources:

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/chronic-disease/overview

www.exerciseismedicine.org.au

Cardiac rehabilitation | Heart Foundation

To book your initial consultation please call our reception on (02) 4314 5183 or book online.