Phase 4 Cardiac Rehab

 The video below is part of a larger presentation called Understanding Angioplasty. Produced by the School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds in co-operation with The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, this short video is designed to help people who are about to have an angioplasty to understand what will happen. This extract focuses on the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy heart.  

Copyright Information: The University of Leeds own all rights (including all copyright and performance rights) to the above work and we have permission to use it in this context. The music tracks ('View from the Terrace' and 'Catch Fire') are owned by AKM MUSIC and the IPR of the ('Break the Light') music track is owned by Lynne Publishing. 'View from the Terrace' and 'Catch Fire' are licensed from AKM MUSIC and 'Break the Light' from The Beat Suite Ltd.  

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Studies show that regular exercise plays a significant role in improving heart health. This is true for the population generally and also for those already with heart problems.

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It is estimated that there are around 2.3 million people living with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in the UK. 60% of these are male.

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Department of Health statistics indicate that there were nearly half a million NHS hospital admissions related to Coronary Heart Disease in the UK in 2013/2014.

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Survival rates following heart attack have improved significantly over the last 30 years, as a result of the development of better treatments and improved drugs.

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A major factor in improving upon the reduction of risk of a further cardiac event is for patients to undertake a programme of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is divided into four phases. 

Phase 1
Hospital based and starts from initial admission. This is the starting point in establishing a path to recovery. It includes medical evaluation, reassurance, education. evaluation of risk factors and planning for discharge.

Phase 2
After discharge from hospital and Primary care based. Support in the form of home visits, telephone contact or supervised use of the Heart Manual or similar programme.

Phase 3
A formal exercise and education programme, typically carried out over a 6 - 12 week period. This is likely to include low to moderate intensity exercise and education on issues such as cessation of smoking, diet and further assistance and support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Phase 4
Long term maintenance of physical activity and lifestyle change. This can be part of a patients long term strategy to help ensue their continued well being. Others can include regular patient reviews with their G.P. or consultant, patient and carer support groups and newsletters.

Statistics show that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation increases the chance of living beyond a heart attack for 5 years by around 26%.

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Pulsations is a Phase 4 exercise programme.