The Cardiac Rehabilitation service is offered to anyone who has had a recent Heart Attack, Bypass Surgery or Emergency same-day stent. It is designed to give you all the support you need from discharge through to long-term recovery. Our service covers the areas of Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon, with people referred to the service at the time of hospital discharge.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation service can help in a number of different ways. It can help people to reduce their risk of further heart events, return to normality (as quickly as possible) and understand more about their condition and the symptoms it can cause. We support people to regain confidence after a heart event by helping them to understand what they can do to make changes to their lifestyle which both reduce their risk and improve their overall quality of life. We can also liaise with you GP and Consultant where necessary.
Once a referral is placed, a Cardiac Nurse works to assess the personal needs of the patient, offering advice and information on everything from medications, healthy eating and smoking cessation through to returning to work or daily life, and setting long-term goals for the future.
We also offer supervised exercise programmes, provided by dedicated Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses and Specialist Exercise Instructors, which help people to get moving in a structured and well-supported way over a six week course. This also offers people the chance to meet others who have experienced the same cardiac event, or procedure.
We currently run the exercise sessions at YMCA Sports Centre in Honicknowle, Plymouth, The Youth Hut in Horrabridge and the Sports Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth II Recreation Field, Modbury.
Useful resources
www.bhf.org.uk
British Heart Foundation information, resources and recipes
Understanding stress – BHF
This short leaflet explains the link between stress and unhealthy habits that can increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. It also gives you tips to help you lower your stress levels to keep your body and mind healthy.
Understanding physical activity – BHF
Whatever your age or ability, physical activity can help improve your general wellbeing. From protecting your heart to a better nights’ sleep, download our leaflet and we’ll show you how to get moving.
Understanding blood pressure – BHF
We’re here to it make it easier to measure and manage your blood pressure at home. Download your free guide full of all the information you’ll need to get started today.
Taking control of saturated fats – BHF
We know it’s not always clear what we should or shouldn’t be eating to improve our heart health especially when it comes to fats. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand what’s in your food. Download it today.
Understanding your weight – BHF
Whatever your reasons for trying to lose weight, we’re here to help and support you every step of the way. Download our free booklet full of simple things you can do this week that will give you lasting benefits.
Understanding cholesterol – BHF
Have you been told you have high cholesterol? Our BHF medical experts have pulled together our best tips and simple swaps to help you reduce your cholesterol into one handy guide. Download your free copy today.
Quick guide to familial hypercholesterolaemia – BHF
Familial hypercholesterolaemia – or FH – is a condition that leads to very high cholesterol levels. It’s an inherited condition, which means it’s passed through your family.
This short, illustrated leaflet explains what FH is, how it’s passed through families and how you can find out if you have it. It’s suitable for you if:
- you have been told you have FH
- you think you may have it
- a family member has been told they have it.
www.heartuk.org.uk
The cholesterol charity website, information on cholesterol tips on lowering your cholesterol and recipes.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well
National government health promotion website. Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
Information on health choices regarding eggs:
Does eating eggs increase my risk of heart disease – BHF
Eggs and cholesterol – BHF
Egg nutrition – Official UK information
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