Cardiac rehabilitation

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation encompasses all activities needed to restore a heart patient to optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. The goal is to enable the patient to resume as full a role as possible in society.

In practice, this means a multidisciplinary team of nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, dietitians, and psychologists, supervised by rehabilitation doctors (cardiologists), will provide expert, personalised guidance throughout your recovery.

Scientific research clearly shows that cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risk of complications, accelerates recovery, and improves quality of life.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme if:

• You have completed the application for the cardiac rehabilitation convention with your treating physiotherapist
  and
• You have been admitted for:
  • a heart attack
  • balloon dilation with or without stent implantation
  • heart surgery for coronary artery disease, valvular disease, arrhythmias, or another heart or aortic condition, be it acquired or congenital
  • a heart transplant
  • an LVAD implantation
  • cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction

Process

During your stay in the cardiac surgery ward

Your rehabilitation will start immediately after your heart surgery under the supervision of physiotherapists. By the time you are discharged, you will be able to perform most of your daily activities. Once you're home, it is best to continue rehabilitation without delay. Contact an independent physiotherapy practice in your area. If needed, the physiotherapist can visit you at home initially.

During your stay in the cardiology ward

If you are admitted for a heart attack, balloon dilation with or without stent implantation, or heart failure, rehabilitation will start at the request of the treating doctor. Depending on the course of your admission, physiotherapy may begin either in the hospital or at home.

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme in a recognised centre

To regain and maintain your fitness, you can follow an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme at a recognised rehabilitation centre. The start date may vary depending on your heart condition and overall health. Always consult your physiotherapist and cardiologist to determine when you can begin.

You can book an initial appointment without obligation at UZ Leuven. If you wish to rehabilitate at another centre, you will also receive the necessary information. A social worker will inform you about this during your hospital stay.

Initial consultation

Before joining the rehabilitation programme, your health status (including cardiac risk factors) and fitness level will be assessed during an initial consultation. Based on a maximal exercise test, electrocardiogram, and physical examination, a personalised programme will be created for you.

Multidisciplinary support

Rehabilitation sessions are held several times a week in groups and under professional supervision. Throughout the cardiac rehabilitation programme, various healthcare providers will support you in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and psychosocially.

• The rehabilitation doctor (cardiologist) assesses your medical condition and, in consultation with you and the multidisciplinary team, designs a personalised rehabilitation programme.
• The physiotherapist guides you during physical training sessions.
• The dietitian provides information about healthy eating and helps you adjust your diet if needed.
• The psychologist assists with anxiety, stress, and smoking cessation.
• The social worker offers guidance and support on topics such as driving and returning to work.

Appointments

If you are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation, we recommend contacting the cardiac rehabilitation secretariat no later than 14 days after your hospital discharge. This ensures a smooth transition into an outpatient rehabilitation programme.