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Home / Areas of Care/ Cardiac Care/ Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based program to help individuals with a cardiovascular condition achieve a heart healthy lifestyle through exercise and risk factor education.

  • Next to your hospital visit, cardiac rehab is the most important part of your recovery.
  • It’s about gathering knowledge, accessing support and making healthy choices to live your best life.
  • You’ll learn what’s best for you now, what kind of exercise is safe and enjoyable for you, and how to develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits you can stick with.

Research shows that cardiac rehab helps to:

  • Decrease your risk of dying early.
  • Improve your energy level and how you feel in mind and body.
  • Reduce your chances of being re-admitted to the hospital.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Mary’s Cardiac Rehab Program is offering in-person and virtual visits. We also have a wide range of resources for heart health available online. The program is offered at no-cost to those who have Ontario health insurance plan (OHIP).

Please note that you will be contacted by our program once we have reviewed your referral and confirmed you are an appropriate candidate.

In order to be considered for the program, a physician referral is required.

Click here for the Cardiac Rehabilitation referral form (you will be redirected to a new page – please scroll down to find the referral form under the Cardiac Rehabilitation section). Please note that you will be contacted by our program. We are not able to answer individual inquiries at this time.

  • Consultation and stress test, with a Cardiologist, for those who meet eligibility criteria.
  • Personalized exercise prescription from our Registered Kinesiologists and twice weekly gym classes for up to 3 months.
  • Nutrition advice and counselling with our Registered Dietitians.
  • Consultation with our Nurse Practitioners for specific cardiac-related medical concerns.
  • Weekly education sessions covering a variety of heart health topics.
  • Support to work towards your personal goals for heart health, including activity and diet.
  • We also offer virtual visits using the WebEx platform and conferencing tool, if requested.
  • A range of resources available for you on our website anytime.

Cardiac rehab participants who finish the program report that they:

  • Feel more confident about exercising safely.
  • Are better able to manage stress and anxiety
  • See improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • Feel more in control during their recovery and beyond

We understand that no one wants to be in a situation where cardiac rehab is needed. Our team of experts have helped thousands of people, like you, improve their heart health. And most of all, they are thankful they did it.

As a participant in St. Mary’s Cardiac Rehab Program, you will benefit from the expertise of our multidisciplinary team:

  • Cardiologists
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Registered Kinesiologists & Exercise Assistants
  • Registered Dietitians
  • Intake Coordinators
  • Administrative Staff

If you have questions or concerns regarding referrals, contact the Regional Cardiac Care Coordinator Cardiac Rehab Program:
Phone: 226-806-5911
Fax: 226-806-5912

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic
Medical Centre 2
435 The Boardwalk, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2

Resources

Please take advantage of the wide range of resources that will help you in your recovery and developing heart healthy habits for life. These resources can be downloaded and printed.

Useful Web Links

SCAD Patient Guide

 Videos

Common Questions about Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection