Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation

Conditions seen by physiotherapy in this speciality include;

  • Patients after open heart surgery, e.g. coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery
  • Patients after TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack (Myocardial infarction)
  • Following procedures e.g. angioplasty, stent insertion
  • Heart Failure

What is the role for physiotherapy with this group of patients?

In hospital, physiotherapy following a cardiac event or procedure involves:

Monitoring and treatment of possible respiratory complications, followed by a safe and gradual progression of mobility and function

Education and information on how to achieve and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle are provided to patients.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

This is a phased programme of exercise and education which enables patients return to a healthy and active lifestyle following a cardiac event or surgery.

  • Phase 1: In Hospital phase (as discussed above).
  • Phase 2: Going Home.
  • Phase 3: Exercise and education. This involves a 6-8 week programme of two supervised exercise classes per week. It is run by a physiotherapist and clinical nurse specialist. The education component includes advice on the management of risk factors, nutrition, lifestyle, activity, stress and medication.
  • Phase 4: Community/ home based. This is the maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation. Patients may be referred to a phase 4 cardiac rehab programme in the community or may choose to continue their exercise and lifestyle changes on their own.

How do these patients access your services?

If indicated, patients are referred to physiotherapy during their inpatient stay and will be followed up accordingly. Patients may also be referred by a Consultant Cardiologist in CUH

 

Protocols/ resources/ website info leaflets recommended for patients