Referral to Action heart cardiac rehab at local hospital, what can I expect ?

[Westie2012]

As the title states I’ve been referred to action heart by my cardiologist . I had a pacemaker just over three years ago, serious complications a few days after the procedure caused pericarditis and a pericardial effusion , I had a long recovery and it’s been quite a tough journey . As I struggle with chest pains quite a lot (mainly on evertion) cardiologist thinks I’ll benefi from cardiac rehab, plus I’m really keen to go swimming again , it was when I’d gone swimming that triggered the start of my cardiac symptoms that eventually lead to being told I needed a pacemaker . What are other peoples experience of action heart /cardiac rehab please ?

[cocobearbhf]

I guess this is similar to other cardiac rehab services.

After my NSTEMI HA (a year ago today!!) and 3 stents I was referred to cardiac rehab.

for me, it was a wholly positive experience. They will assess your current fitness with some simple exercise (for me, on a static bike) and then set you a set of exercises to complete. Simple movement based in my case to start with. They asked me to constantly assess my breathing on a scale, and over the 10 weeks they increase the exercise program depending on how you get on.

here there were also a series of optional talks on diet, anxiety, medication etc.

For me, it was a huge help to getting back toward a more normal life, and reducing anxiety. Highly recommended.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

There are several historical posts concerning the format of cardio rehab courses. I suggest you search for them on the site. My observation from reading them is that the format does vary, so what people on here advise may be different to what you find. My cardio rehab group was run by a small team of cardio nurses for about 20-25 people, and after an initial personal induction at the first session, the sessions were split roughly 50/50 into instructional talks and discussion concerning the do's and dont's relating to life style to aid recovery and thereafter, and exercise activities matched to your ability, given that there was a wide range of people in terms of age and physical condition. The course lasted about six weeks and I believe I attended twice a week for about 2 hours at a time. I urge you to attend and stick with it, because even if you only find one or two things relevant to your situation, that will help you. But if you choose not to attend let the organising group know beforehand because they are in high demand and 'no shows' deny someone else the opportunity. And there were certainly a few early drop outs on my course which sadly did just that.

[Alison_L]

Assuming it’s normal cardiac rehab (is Heart Action a private company?) I loved it so much I became a volunteer for them when I finished the course 😀

[Westie2012 in reply to Alison_L]

Action heart is based at the hospital , it’s an nhs service offered to cardiac patients .

[Alison_L in reply to Westie2012]

Probably just their name for it. Go for it

[Rosie1066]

Very positive and would recommend. I’m doing cardiac rehab now for the second time and find it very beneficial.

[Golf1985]

hello can I ask just seen your report regarding the pacemaker leads can I ask did they cause you peri or was it the trauma of going in,Ihad ohs in October and he’d it since and doesn’t seem to be going, see you had to have them moved,I have a temperary lead left in from surgery and I’m sure it’s causing me problems and my body reacting to it,seeing a surgeon tomoz,as mine said no but I’m not happy.

[Westie2012 in reply to Golf1985]

One of the leads went through my heart wall , after a second priocedure both leads were replaced, a few hours after that I developed pericarditis . I wasn’t told I had pericarditis, I wasn’t told I needed to rest completely so I developed a pericardial effusion which caused very serious problems .

[Golf1985 in reply to Westie2012]

Yeah I had an effusion from surgery also but nothing about my lead and peri since Christmas but because my pains and they don’t treat me for peri till long time after and now won’t go away,but I’m not rite it’s so bad it’s still on ecg now but not echo,just wonder how they determined the wire was doing it could they see it on echo or mri but I can’t have mri now as got the wire

[Hidden]

Experiences vary on cardio rehabilitation but most I've read and my ongoing one is absolutely fabulous for the mental side and physical. I would 100% recommend it.

[Nickibmibile]

I'm doing Cardiac Rehab now for surgery in August 2023, I had it postponed because trauma following the op caused lower limb immobility. My pacemaker was replaced in Feb this year and so I've just now started the Rehab. It seems to be following a similar structure to those described by other people here and I am finding it helpful. I still can't walk very well so my exercise is sitting based but it's good to see others in a similar situation.

[But_seriously]

Hi WestieI'm currently doing action heart at RHH. I was referred after my emergency type A aortic dissection last April, for me I'm enjoying it, I was already fit & a keen cyclist before my AD.

For the first 3 sessions I was wired up with a 5 lead ecg and I was monitored for the full session whilst I was shown around and a training plan created for me, this gets updated regularly to suit my needs.

Everybody I've met has been nice & approachable, I also like that it's on the side of the hospital if anything ever went wrong you're in the best place.

From my own experience it's worth doing

[Westie2012 in reply to But_seriously]

Thank you , I’ll be going to Russell’s hall too .

[Westie2012 in reply to But_seriously]

What did you wear to the first three sessions ? Do you need gym or sportswear clothing ?

[But_seriously in reply to Westie2012]

Hi WestieI just wore some sports type shorts, t-shirt & trainers. Action heart is basically a gym (with the usual exercise equipment) but with added the added support given from the AH team.

I'd take a water bottle you you can refill it there if you need.

There are changing rooms & lockers if you need (you don't need money for the lockers)

[Westie2012 in reply to But_seriously]

Thank you