Rebecca attends her appointment at the cardiac rehabilitation programme.
Cardiac rehabilitation, sometimes called cardiac rehab, helps people to recover and get back to as full a life as possible after a heart attack, heart surgery or following a diagnosis such as heart failure. It is an individualised exercise, education and support programme built around the person’s personal circumstances and needs. For more information on cardiac rehabilitation visit British Heart Foundation: Cardiac rehabilitation – BHF
Before starting the programme, and in discussion with the cardiac rehab provider, background information is gathered (sometimes called an assessment). This is an opportunity for Rebecca to discuss what is important to her, any concerns she may have and how she will work together with the cardiac rehab professional to set some short and long-term goals.
During the consultation Rebecca indicates that she:
- Has recently been diagnosed with SCAD.
- Is still having some chest pain, but it is improving.
- Is not feeling anxious at present, but she admits her work is very stressful.
- Is married to her husband, Andrew, who works in the oil industry and is away for long periods of time. So, she is often sole carer for her 2 children, which keeps her very busy.
- Is a keen runner and enjoys training for marathons, but she and her husband are nervous about safe levels of physical activity and exercise for her.
- Enjoys practicing yoga, which helps her ‘switch off’ from work.
Following this discussion, and in agreement with the cardiac rehab provider, further health checks are carried out on Rebecca. Click to the next page to find out what further health checks are completed for Rebecca.
