Cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise and education programme designed to improve your quality of life when you have a heart attack or other heart condition.
Our cardiac rehabilitation programme aims to help you understand your condition, to prevent your condition from worsening, and to reduce your risk of future heart problems. These can add up to a better quality of life.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you rebuild your life, both physically and emotionally. It may seem like a lot of time and effort. But as you get stronger and learn how to manage your condition, you are more likely to return to a normal routine and enjoy life more.
Who can use the service
People who have had a heart attack or with heart problems. This can cover angina, any emergency hospital admission for coronary heart disease, cardiac surgery or angioplasty, or first diagnosis of heart failure.
The service is available to anyone registered with a GP in NHS Birmingham East and North. Find out if you are covered by NHS Birmingham East and North.
How to use the service
A healthcare professional, such as a consultant or GP, will refer you to the service.
What to expect when you attend for the first time
Following a cardiac event (defined as any myocardial infarction, onset of angina, any emergency hospital admission for coronary heart disease, cardiac surgery or angioplasty, or first diagnosis of heart failure the following will be offered: Medical evaluation, Reassurance, Correction of cardiac misconceptions, Risk factor assessment, Health Education Medicine management, Individual mobility and exercise plan Discharge planning
How you can look after yourself
There are Phase I to IV which follow from when the patient has any diagnosis of heart failure, to Phase II, which is the post discharge period and individualised home visit packages are received so thr patient is care for in their home, Phase III where BEN & Solihull have 10-12 week community rehabilitation programmes involving in depth assessment, excercise and education sessions, Phase IV which is the long term maintenance of a healthier lifestyle.
Useful links
- British Heart Foundation
- GP Notebook: Cardiovascular medicine
- HealthTalkOnline – patients’ experiences of heart disease
- NHS Choices: Coronary heart disease
- NHS Evidence: Heart disease search
Heads of service
Laura Malpass – Head of CVD programmes in primary care
Helen Turner
Comments and complaints
Contact Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust for patient feedback and complaints.
