Cardiac rehabilitation
How do I access Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Usually you will be referred by a specialist nurse (Cardiac Rehab, Heart Failure or Arrhythmia nurse). You may also be referred by your cardiologist, GP or practice nurse. This referral typically happens after an event such as a heart attack, cardiac stent or heart bypass operation. Referrals can also happen after a diagnosis of heart failure or a cardiac arrhythmia. If you have not been referred and feel you would benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation, please feel free to contact us to discuss. (You will find our contact details at the bottom of this page.)
Where do I go for my first appointment?
First appointments are offered in a number of different hospitals across Angus, Dundee, Perth and Kinross. Please click on the links below for information about how to get to these hospitals:
- Ninewells Hospital (East Block, Therapies Gym)
- Arbroath Infirmary (Physiotherapy Department)
- Stracathro Hospital (Learning Centre)
- Perth Royal Infirmary
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment with be a one-on-one assessment. This helps us to tailor the exercise programme to suit your current ability and help you meet your goals. A functional capacity (walking) test will be carried out at this appointment. This test is not on a treadmill.
Your physiotherapist will then discuss the different exercise options available, including attending exercise and education classes once a week, a home exercise programme or DVD, or a walking programme.
What do I need to bring?
Your physiotherapist will then discuss the different exercise options available, including attending exercise and education classes once a week, a home exercise programme or DVD, or a walking programme.
What do I need to bring?
- A list of your medications.
- Flat shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
Exercise and Education Classes
There will be a physiotherapist, cardiac rehabilitation nurse and support worker at each of the classes. The classes combine exercise (a circuit based exercise class), education and relaxation sessions. The education sessions include topics linked to heart disease, stress management, healthy eating and medications.
A copy of the relaxation MP3 can be found here:
A copy of the relaxation MP3 can be found here:
What happens if I need to cancel?
Please contact the department if you need to cancel. This allows us to try offer your slot to another patient. It helps if you are able to give as much notice as possible.
Contact details
- Dundee and Angus: 01382 496567 (Cardiac Rehabilitation physiotherapy team)
- Perth: 01738 473708 (Cardiac Rehabilitation physiotherapy team)
Cardiac Rehabilitation leaflets
We offer a number of patient information leaflets about Cardiac Rehabilitation. You can access them by clicking on the links below.
