cardiac rehabilitation

Question 1

patients who should be referred for cardiac rehabilitation

Answer 1

acute coronary syndrome
CABG or PCI
heart failure
heart valve device, repair or replacement
permanent pacemaker and implantable defibrillator insertion
a heart or heart/lung transplant adn ventricular assist device
other vascular or heart disease interventions

Question 2

when should you arrange cardiac rehabilitation

Answer 2

before discharge

Question 3

core features of cardiac rehabilitation programs

Answer 3

an initial medical assessment and explanation of the treatment plan
nutritional counselling
risk factor management (lifestyle and medical)
provision of a written drug list that includes the indication and intended duration of therapy for each drug to optimise adherance
psychosocial evaluation to identify mental health issues, sexual health issues, and the need for referral to individual or group therapy
counselling and support to promote behavioural change
physical activity
advice about restarting work, driving and sexual activity
family or carer reassurance and psychosocial support

Question 4

what is cardiac rahabilitation

Answer 4

multidisciplinary program of experienced health proffessionals in liason with the patient’s GP
patients usually attend sessions once a week for 4 to 8 weeks
alternative models available in rural and remote areas

Question 5

alternative models of cardiac rehabiltation

Answer 5

home based and centre based programs are similarly safe and effective in imporving outcomes
home based programs have higher adherance