What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education and counselling designed to help you recover after a heart attack or other heart condition. This personalized program will help you regain your strength, prevent your condition from getting worse and reduce your risk of having heart problems in the future.

If you have had a heart attack, heart surgery or have heart disease, your doctor may recommend you join a cardiac rehabilitation program. Talk to him or her about how to find a program in your area, or contact your public health department, hospital or local office of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Your rehabilitation team
A cardiac rehabilitation team is usually made up of professionals with specialized areas of expertise who work together to improve your physical and emotional health. Rehabilitation programs vary depending on your needs and where you live, but your team may include a physician, exercise physiologist, nurse, occupational therapist, physical educator, nutritionist and psychiatrist.

What’s involved?
Programs vary, but generally include:

Medical assessment: evaluating your physical abilities, limitations and risk factors
Physical activity: exercises to improve your cardiovascular and muscular fitness
Lifestyle education: expert advice about diet and nutrition
Psychosocial support: support and strategies for managing depression, anxiety, returning to work

The benefits
Cardiac rehabilitation will help you regain your strength and independence, and overcome your anxieties and fears. You’ll learn how to make heart-healthy living a part of your life – for the rest of your life. And along the way, you’ll also meet a support group of professionals and people just like you – dealing with the same challenges you face each day.

Last reviewed September 2006.