Heart Care is a pioneer in cardiac rehabilitation. Since opening in 1981, we have developed a flexible and accessible programme, specially designed to cater for the broadest range of people. Every patient is given a tailor-made exercise programme arranged and supervised by our exercise physiology team.

Our rehabilitation programme is a 13-week course that includes diet and nutrition advice as well as relaxation and stress management groups for those who require them. Patients are required to attend for two sessions per week.

Patients are initially assessed for suitability for the course by specialist nurses, who are available to offer advice and support throughout.

Rehabilitation – Phase 1

Phase 1 of our rehabilitation course lasts for between 2-4 weeks and begins with a fitness assessment. This is done by a walking test around our 75 metre indoor track, during which heart rate is monitored by radio control.

During Phase 1 patients exercise on a treadmill and cycle ergometer on alternate days, and will be continually monitored by an ECG. Exercise lasts for about 20 minutes.

If appropriate, body fat and serum cholesterol are taken followed by advice on diet and avoidance of risk factors such as smoking.

Rehabilitation – Phase 2

After the first month, patients exercise independently of ECG monitors and continue to alternate between walking around the track and ergometer cycling. When the patient is ready, weight training is introduced to improve upper body strength and to identify patient limitations. The duration and intensity of the exercise will gradually increase in the next two months, with exercise programmes lasting between 45-60 minutes.

After-Care

After completing the rehabilitation course, patients are welcome to come to the Unit to exercise, indefinitely. Our after-care programmes give members the opportunity to build upon / or maintain their new fitness levels, while having the re-assurance and support of on-site professional staff. All this is available at a nominal cost.

Getting the Support you Need

Having a heart attack can effect the whole family. Families are able to attend the Unit and see how their relatives are recovering and to talk to others who have gone through similar problems. Carers can also be assessed and given an excercise programme to support patients whilst they thier own programme

On a regular basis at the Unit, community dieticians give talks to patients and their partners who wish to take advice on healthy eating, medication, relaxation, excercise and general advice.

There is also a Heart Care Family Support Group, a patient-led group, offering support and encouragement to anyone who has suffered heart problems or who is waiting for heart surgery. This group meets away from the Unit on a monthly basis and organises regular guest speakers and events. Members of the public are welcome to join, free of charge. Please see our calender of events for for dates and topics of future meetings.

Public Screenings – Healthy Heart Evening

Twice a year, Heart Care offers a screening programme to members of the public, which includes ECG-testing. Healthy Heart Evenings are open to anyone of any age. Funds raised from these evenings help with the Unit’s running costs.

Appointments for cholesterol testing can be booked throughout the year for a small charge.

Referral to the programme

Patients can be referred to Heart Care by their GP or by their Hospital Consultant.

We will take people of any age. Heart Care clients range from 20 – 90!

Heart Care prefers to start patients on the rehabilitation course within 4 – 6 weeks of their heart attack or surgery.