What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab, is a program where health professionals support you and your family or carers with your heart problems.
What happens in cardiac rehab?
Here is a short video of cardiac rehab and why it's an important component of your road to recovery following a heart event.
Why does cardiac rehab help?
Cardiac rehabilitation can help you recover and get back to normal activities sooner. You'll get personalised support about:
- learning more about your heart condition and treatment
- getting back to your usual activities (e.g. work, driving, having sex)
- changing your lifestyle to improve your heart health
- managing your medicines
- stopping smoking
- knowing warning signs and what to do in an emergency.
You'll be able to ask questions about things that worry you, and get support if you feel stressed, anxious or depressed.
How do cardiac rehab programs work?
Cardiac rehabilitation usually runs for 6 to 10 weeks. It often starts in hospital and continues when you go home. Programs can be run in different ways and places, for example:
- face-to-face
- over the telephone
- on the internet
- in a group or one-on-one
- in hospitals, community centres or clinics
- in your home.
Where's my nearest cardiac rehab program?
Find a cardiac rehabilitation service near you using our Cardiac Services Directory. Or contact our Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12.