Home-based cardiac rehabilitation

The BHF describes cardiac rehabilitation as a programme of exercise and education to help you recover and live as fully as you can. Home-based versions deliver the same two strands, exercise and education, without requiring you to attend a centre.

The NHS says after a heart attack you are referred to cardiac rehabilitation which may involve attending appointments in person, or taking part remotely from home using video calls or apps. Delivery models differ between areas, so what you are offered depends on your local service.

Home-based rehabilitation can suit people who live far from a centre, work during the day, care for others, find travelling tiring or prefer not to exercise in a group. Some people take part in a hybrid programme with an initial in-person assessment followed by remote sessions.

It is not necessarily lower quality. Ask your cardiac nurse what is available, whether telephone or video contact with a clinician is included and how you will be reviewed.

Even when exercise is done at home, your team should assess you first. Heart conditions differ, and the right intensity depends on your diagnosis, medicines, symptoms and any device such as a pacemaker or ICD.

Ask for written advice on how hard to work, what symptoms mean you should stop and who to ring. The BHF says that the home rehabilitation resources are designed to help you safely get active again at your own pace, but they are not a substitute for your own team advice.

The BHF provides cardiac rehab exercise videos for home practice, intended to let people get active again at their own pace. It also offers an 8-week email support programme with tips and ideas for getting active, information about medication and taking care of your wellbeing.

Its pages also cover healthy eating, weight management and adjusting medication. Used alongside clinic care, these give a structure for people waiting for a place or unable to attend.

Remote sessions work best with a clear space, supportive footwear, a chair for rests and a phone or tablet positioned so the clinician can see you. Have your medicines list and GTN spray nearby if you use one.

Tell the clinician about symptoms at the start of each session, and agree a plan for emergencies, including your address and who to call. If a session ends abruptly because you feel unwell, stop and follow your safety plan.

• Keep a log of activity, breathlessness and how you felt afterwards.

• Ask whether a monitor or pulse check will be used.

• Report any new chest pain, fainting or palpitations before continuing.

The NHS says everyone diagnosed with heart failure should be offered cardiac rehabilitation, which may include an assessment and advice about how to exercise safely, classes or a personal exercise programme, lifestyle guidance and support groups. Home options can be arranged in many services.

Eligibility also commonly covers people recovering from heart attack, bypass or valve surgery, and some stent patients, though it differs by area. If you were not offered a referral, ask your GP or cardiologist.

The BHF says anxiety, depression and isolation after a heart event are normal, and it offers helpline, support groups and an online community. The NHS advises speaking to your GP if you are anxious or low after a heart attack.

Remote rehabilitation can feel isolating, so ask about group video sessions or peer groups that let you meet others in a similar situation.