Cardiac Rehabilitation

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Department offers a multi-disciplinary programme of activities which aims to restore cardiac patients to as normal a life as possible. It is also aimed at preventing further recurrence of a cardiac disease.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme 

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme is uniquely designed for the older age group of patients. Participants of the programme are those who have had:

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)physician
• Stable angina
• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
• Angioplasty (PTCA)
• Cardiac valve replacement or repair

The programme runs for 6 weeks. Sessions are held twice weekly. Each session lasts for 2 hours and consists of 1 hour of exercise and 1 hour of education

Each patient is assessed individually to obtain his/her current fitness level. Physical disabilities are taken into consideration, eg. arthritis, chest problems. The exercise programme is then tailored to the needs of the patient and progressed according to their ability. Lectures are also given by a variety of specialist health professionals, including the consultant cardiologist. Topics covered include:

• Introduction to exercise
• Risk factors for heart disease
• Eating for a healthy heart
• Heart attack and angina
• Stress management and relaxation
• Medications/drug therapy
• Basic resuscitation and life support
• Benefits of exercise
• In addition, there are practical group sessions teaching relaxation techniques.
• Your spouse/partner/carer is very welcome to attend most education sessions and is particularly encouraged to attend the diet and CPR topics.

If you are referred patients will be thoroughly assessed before starting the programme so any specific needs can be identified.  The assessment includes:

• Cholesterol and lipid check
• Lifestyle assessment
• Monitored exercise tests

What happens once you complete the programme?

After you finish the programme you will be re-assessed at six months and in one year. Individual consultations with team members will be arranged as necessary, and contact with the team can be maintained.

The next phase

We have an ongoing programme of lectures, practical demonstrations, risk factor evaluation and lifestyle adaptation for those who have completed the initial programme. Admission is usually by reservation.

Useful contact information

Phone number 01 6639839

Email cardiacrehab@stmichaels.ie

Referral information

Your GP or your hospital consultant will discuss your suitability for the programme with you.