St Andrew's Hospital has developed a Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for people, and their families, who have suffered any form of cardiac problems. The program runs 3 times a week over 7 weeks and provides clients with support to return to an active, healthy lifestyle.

Why Cardiac Rehabilitation?

St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre offers a program to help cardiac patients return to an active and satisfying life and to prevent recurrence of cardiac events.

You are eligible to participate in the program if you have had a heart attack, unstable angina, balloon angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery or valve repair surgery.

With medical education and support, tailored to meet your individual needs, you will learn how to lower your risk of future episodes and allow yourself to live life again.

The cardiac program complements the support and care given by your specialist and general practitioner.

Success in rehabilitation is based on an individual's own level of participation. From a clinical standpoint, individuals who participate in a rehabilitation program are likely to have a better quality of life and long term outcome.

Program Elements

Patients will be taken through a seven-week program, three days per week, under the management of trained health professionals who have specific expertise in and knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation.

The one-hour program operates each Monday, Wednesday and Friday and you may choose from either morning sessions commencing at 7:00am or evening sessions, commencing at 6:00pm.

A light or moderate physical activity program will be implemented in stages, depending on your individual health condition and fitness level. Medical personnel are on hand at all times.

Written guidelines will be provided so you can resume daily activities, including a home walking program. A review of your physical activity program will also be carried out on a regular basis.

As part of the program a weekly education session is held each Wednesday evening from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. These are aimed at increasing your understanding of heart disease and the positive action you can take in reducing risk factors and future cardiac events.

The education program includes sessions on the following:

• Tests we do

• Understanding heart disease

• Nutrition and heart disease

• Risk factors

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• Medications

• Effect of a cardiac event on thinking, feeling and doing

All sessions are conducted by appropriately qualified health professionals, including general practitioners, cardiologist, physician, dietitians and coronary care nurses.

The program also offers support for your spouse and family members. The group welcomes involvement of family members at all sessions.