Cardiac rehabilitation exercise is a safe structured exercise class for people who have a heart condition or have had heart surgery and want to exercise safely. Someone who has CVD, has had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), bypass surgery, pacemaker or ICD fitted, a heart transplant, a valve replacement, or angina (ischemia) can all benefit from cardiac rehabilitation. There are four phases
Phase I Rehabilitation
Following the cardiac event rehabilitation exercise will be provided in hospital, this is called phase I rehabilitation. Phase 1 will last the length of time you are in hospital. You will be visited by the cardiac rehab team, and they will give you advise on recovery, risk factors, education on a healthy lifestyle and relaxation techniques. Gentle exercises will also be given.
Phase II Rehabilitation
Once you get home Phase 2 rehabilitation will start and this lasts 2-6 weeks. More exercise is encouraged and will be specify planned to the individual’s needs.
Phase III Rehabilitation
This is a structured exercise class in the community with a multidisciplinary team, a cardiac nurse, cardiac physiotherapist and a cardiac rehabilitation exercise instructor. It’s a circuit class with 10 different exercise stations, time on each station lasts 2 minutes (times can increase as individuals increase their stamina/fitness). 15 minutes warm up and 10 minutes cool down is compulsory. At the end of the exercise session there may be a meditation session. Phase III lasts 8 – 12 weeks.
Phase IV Rehabilitation
Is a continuation of Phase III cardiac rehabilitation with an increase of intensity if that is right for the participant. Exercise is still structured to the participants exercise level. The class is held in the community and led by a cardiac rehabilitation instructor. Phase IV lasts between 8-12 weeks.
Once phase IV is finished participants should feel confident to exercise on their own, and there may be referral pathways for them to join a cardiac rehabilitation exercise class or the local gym.
Always make sure the instructors you work with are qualified to work with people with heart conditions, as there are some key safety guidelines which need to be followed.
I teach an online cardiac rehabilitation class with 10 minutes of meditation at the end every Wednesday 10.30am-11.40am. Also, an in-person class in Crouch End, North London, N8. The first two classes are free, and no obligation to join after the two sessions.
One 2 One Personal Training sessions available online and in a Crouch End studio. First session is free and no obligation to join after the free session.
If you would like more information, please contact me info@cardiacpt.com
