Home is where the heart is for rehab |
Coming into hospital with a heart attack is a daunting enough experience…and returning for rehabilitation can be another hurdle for patients. That’s why the cardiac rehabilitation team at Addenbrooke’s have taken their programme of information and exercise sessions, aimed at getting people back to full and active life after their heart attack, out of the hospital setting and closer to home. Kathryn Carver, Rehabilitation Nurse, says: “What we do is run a programme of education and exercise classes out in the community to help patients get their confidence back. Many of them have never done any regular exercise before but this is not a problem and full sports gear is not required. We teach them straightforward exercises using chairs, steps and static exercise bikes in a way that allows them to exercise effectively and safely. They can then repeat them at home during the week. After the course they understand how to achieve their target of 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week without putting their heart at risk.” All patients who are treated at Addenbrooke’s for a heart attack are visited in hospital and then either telephoned or invited along to an initial advice and information session, where they learn about leading a healthy lifestyle and the risk factors that could have led to their heart attack. Six weeks after their heart attack they can attend a weekly exercise class for around 12 weeks to give them a head start on the road to recovery. The exercises start at a low level, and could involve being seated while carrying out gentle movements. As they build up their level of fitness, patients can progress to working harder and for longer on the equipment like exercise bikes and steps. “Some of them are even running on treadmills by the time they leave!” says Kathryn. Staff are also on hand to check patients’ blood pressure and heart rate, and help with queries about medication and other issues.
Studies have shown that physical activity as part of a rehabilitation programme reduces the risk of dying after a heart attack by 26% and of dying from any other cause by 20% (source: British Heart Foundation). And that’s not the only benefit. Kathryn says: “As well as the classes helping to prevent future hospital admissions, the camaraderie and support they get there, from the staff and each other, is really important. We also encourage relatives to come along to the information sessions and watch the exercise classes so they can see what goes on.” “It’s all about getting patients back on their feet and getting over the fear,” explains Kathryn. Notes to editors The rehabilitation sessions are held at Ely and Sawston Sports Centres, Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Buchan House in north Cambridge. Each venue offers five education and 12 exercise sessions.
Source: British Heart Foundation World Heart Day is on Sunday 24 September this year. For more details
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