• Reference Number: HEY-956/2023
• Departments: Cardiology
• Last Updated: 1 April 2023

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme following your hospital treatment.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor or nurse, but may act as a starting point for discussion.  If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss these with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a tailored treatment and prevention programme, delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, which helps improve the health and well-being of people who have heart problems.  Cardiac Rehabilitation can be of benefit to people following a heart attack, heart surgery or for those who have heart failure or angina. It is also useful for some people who have had a stent or a cardiac device e.g. implantable defibrillator.  Participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation is a really important part of your care following your admission to hospital with a heart problem or for a heart procedure and is very much encouraged by your healthcare team.

Why do I need cardiac rehabilitation?

It is important to take part in Cardiac Rehabilitation because it can support you to improve your heart health.  Cardiac Rehabilitation has been found to reduce the risk of dying, and helps improve some of the risk factors for coronary heart disease.  Programmes will vary in different areas but often consist of a mix of physical exercise, relaxation, support and advice as well as education on a range of topics to encourage you and your family to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Who will be involved in my care?

This will vary in different services but teams can include cardiac specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, exercise specialists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, psychologists and doctors (such as a cardiologist or GP).  You will automatically be referred to your local community Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme by the hospital. Your local community Cardiac Rehabilitation team will then make contact with you once you are home to discuss the options available to support you in your recovery. If you need any advice or support before the Cardiac Rehabilitation service make contact with you please feel free to ring your local service, details below:

Your team is the area in which your GP is located:

Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire – Tel: (01482) 247111           

North Lincolnshire and Goole  –  Tel: (03033304570)

York and Scarborough  –  Tel: (01904) 725821

If you do not live in any of the above areas, the ward staff will be able to advise who your local contact is.

How do I prepare for cardiac rehabilitation?

Please read this information leaflet. Share the information it contains with your partner and family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support.  There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you.

This leaflet was produced by the Cardiology Department, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and will be reviewed in April 2026