The Heart Foundation and the World Health Organization recommend that all patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, coronary angioplasty, angina or other heart or blood vessel disease, attend appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and prevention program.

Some hospitals, community health centres and divisions of general practice run outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs help patients to continue the gradual increase in physical activity they began in hospital, as well as offer patients and their families information and support.

Patients should be encouraged to attend a cardiac rehabilitation program as soon as possible after hospital discharge. The right rehabilitation program will help most people to reduce their risk of further heart problems.

Contact us
For details about your nearest cardiac rehabilitation program, or your copy of "Getting heart smart after heart problems", call our Heart Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87 or email us.