Cardiovascular rehabilitation is the next step back to health for people who have had a heart attack, cardiac surgery or other cardiac events. Patients are eligible to take part in the Heart Institute’s cardiovascular rehabilitation programs following:
- a recent diagnosis of any form of heart disease;
- a recent heart event, such as a heart attack, or a hospital admission for a heart-related problem, such as heart failure or heart surgery;
- a recent diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (a blockage in the legs that makes walking painful).
See our calendar for classes to help prevent, detect and manage heart disease.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation: Physical Activity guide (PDF) will help you establish a regular exercise program.
Inpatient Program
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Inpatient Program provides hospitalized patients with specialized care, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition counselling, smoking cessation guidance, discharge planning, emotional support, and speech therapy. The program is an important link in the rehabilitation continuum, offering home exercise programs and facilitating referrals to the outpatient program.
Outpatient Program
During hospitalization, we refer patients to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Outpatient Program. This program assists participants in acquiring the skills needed to achieve and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and get back to everyday life after a cardiac event. To participate in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs, you must have diagnosed heart or valve disease and a physician must refer you. There is no cost to patients with heart disease participating in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs.
Heart Wise Exercise
Exercising after a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or heart surgery, is one of the best ways to help you get back to health. Heart Wise Exercise identifies exercise programs that are safe and suitable for people who are interested in or concerned about their heart health.
Community resources
In addition to the programs offered at the Heart Institute, there are several options available to residents living in the Ottawa-Carleton area and surrounding regions. Staff will refer to community programs, such as convalescence care, when required.
Please find below a list of community resources you can access after completing your cardiac rehabilitation program.