Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation is an exercise and education program for adults who have had a recent heart event or are at risk of developing heart disease.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Northern Health is run by a specialist trained cardiac Nurse and Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist. Other Allied Health Professionals may also be involved in the education program.

What to expect from the service?

Each participant attending Cardiac Rehab will be prescribed an individually designed exercise and education program, aiming to improve function and self-management, while reducing the risk of future heart events. The exercise and education program runs for 6 weeks and is held onsite across three Northern Health sites: Bundoora, Craigieburn and Epping.

Northern Health also offers a virtual cardiac rehab program that can be completed in your own home, under close guidance by the Cardiac Rehabilitation team.

Referrals from all health professionals will be accepted.

Referrals must include:

Reason for referral
Current and past medical history
Information relevant to the patient’s condition

Inclusion criteria
Clients must have a diagnosed respiratory condition and be willing to attend a centre based program 2 x weekly for 8 weeks

Exclusion criteria

Individuals without a diagnosed respiratory condition
Medical conditions that could place clients at risk during exercise eg: unstable cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, aortic valve disease, unstable or severe pulmonary hypertension)
Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that prevent exercise or limit mobility (clients need to be able to walk >50m to access the gym or have a carer who can attend all sessions and assist with WC transport into the gym)
Severe cognitive impairment or psychotic disturbance (need to be able to exercise with distance supervision in a group setting)

For referrals or enquiries regarding this service please contact the Community Access Service team
Phone: 1300 128 539 (Free Call) or 9495 3443
Fax: 8405 8616