Cardiology - Cardiac Rehab

Once they leave the hospital after a heart procedure, many patients assume that they are on their own. The weeks and months following a cardiac event, however, are a critical window for recovery. If a patient has recently been discharged after a heart attack or heart surgery or has been told they have heart failure, coronary artery disease or angina, it would be wise to speak with a cardiologist about cardiac rehabilitation. 

Those who find themselves struggling with everyday tasks, which leave them unusually tired or short of breath, could heavily benefit from a rehab programme. Persistent anxiety or low mood related to a heart condition can be addressed, and support for those who desire to reduce reliance on medications by improving lifestyle with professional guidance is available. 

Patients need not wait for symptoms to become severe, and asking for a referral to a cardiac rehabilitation programme early can prevent complications, speed up return to normal life, and provide peace of mind.

There is no single test that says a patient needs rehabilitation. Based on a thorough evaluation, a cardiac rehabilitation specialist will make that determination. A detailed review of the patient’s cardiac history, including any surgeries, hospital stays and current medications, is undertaken. A physical assessment follows, looking into heart rate, blood pressure, and how the body responds to light activity. 

An initial exercise stress test is performed in many programmes, which is done either on a treadmill or a stationary bike, while heart rhythm and oxygen levels are monitored. This gives the team a safe baseline. Additional assessments, like a body composition analysis, a review of eating habits, and a conversation about mental and emotional state, can be provided depending upon need.

• Recovery from a heart attack

• Recovery from coronary artery bypass 

• Those who’ve undergone angioplasty or had a stent fitted

• Post heart valve repair or replacement surgery

• Those with stable heart failure

• Stable angina

• Post heart transplant 

• People with devices fitted, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker

• Those at high risk – metabolic syndrome, poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure

An understanding that no two hearts are the same drives our cardiac rehabilitation programme at NMC. From the moment they join, patients are assigned a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation specialist from the moment they join who then coordinates care across the board. They liaise with a team that includes cardiologists, physiotherapists, dietitians and mental health professionals.

The programme typically has three overlapping phases. The first phase focuses on supervised exercise. This consist of usually three sessions per week, where heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored continuously. Activities such as walking or cycling on a stationary bike start gently and then progress as stamina improves.

The second phase is education where patients attend small group or one-to-one sessions. These cover topics like heart-healthy cooking, reading food labels, managing stress, quitting smoking and understanding medications. The third phase is long-term maintenance where individuals become equipped to continue exercising on their own.  Our teams, however, remain available for follow-up assessments and adjustments to the plan.

NMC offers the same integrated standard of care across its network for those searching for cardiac rehabilitation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, or anywhere in the UAE. A pre-surgery rehabilitation option is also available for those awaiting cardiac procedures to help enter surgery in better condition and recover more quickly afterwards.

Our specialised consultant cardiologists lead our NMC teams, bringing with them advanced training in preventive and rehabilitative cardiology. Specialised cardiac physiotherapists, registered dietitians and clinical psychologists support them and work together under one roof. A genuine commitment to walking alongside patients during a vulnerable time sets our cardiac rehabilitation specialists, apart from just clinical knowledge. 

Listening to fears are done with empathy by our consultants, whether that is anxiety about another heart attack or frustration over being unable to play with grandchildren. Complex information is relayed to all our patients and realistic, achievable goals are set. A trusted destination for those seeking expert, NMC provides compassionate cardiac rehabilitation in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain.

What’s a typical timeframe for a cardiac rehabilitation programme?
Programmes run for about 8-12 weeks with most of them offering two to three supervised sessions per week. Some patients however continue for longer, especially those with complex conditions like heart failure. By the end of each programme, the main aim is to transition each individual into an independent, heart-healthy routine. 

Do I need a doctor’s referral to join?
Yes. You do need a referral from a cardiologist or primary care physician. This is needed as it’s essential to ensure that all programmes are safe and tailored to the patient’s medical history. Specialists at NMC can help arrange referrals for patients who don’t already have one. 

Can cardiac rehabilitation be done at home?
Many elements such as walking or making dietary changes can be done at home. The full benefit comes from supervised, monitored exercise sessions however, allowing for the heart’s response to be tracked in real time. We strongly recommend attending sessions at a medical facility for this reason, especially in the initial weeks.