Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

This program varies by region

BRIDGEWATER & AREA FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Nova Scotia Health Authority, in a proud community partnership with the Lunenburg County YMCA is pleased to offer this 8 week, comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. 

This hospital lead, community based program features 8 weeks of twice weekly sessions of supervised exercise and group education on topics related to living well with Chronic disease and managing risk factors. Sessions are supervised by a registered nurse (RN) and a Physiotherapist or Registered Kinesiologist with special training in health education and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

CAPE BRETON CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM (a.k.a THE CAPE BRETON HEART & LUNG WELLNESS CENTRE)

Our rehabilitation programs include education, nutrition counselling, exercise, support and risk factor reduction strategies in scheduled sessions over a three month period. Activities will take place in individual and group sessions. 

The Centre is staffed by a health care team including physicians, nurses, a physiotherapist, a dietitian and clerical support. Other health professionals contribute to special sessions throughout the program. 

CARDIAC MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (TRURO)

This program is helpful to anyone who has had a heart attack, heart surgery, and angina - or is a high risk candidate for heart disease. It is an education and support program for cardiac patients and their families taught by various knowledgeable health professionals. All sessions are designed to help make living with heart disease easier for you and your caregiver. These classes are offered twice a week for approximately two hours and the program is eight weeks long. Participants receive education on how the heart works, heart disease treatments, medications used to improve heart health, stress reduction and how to improve your eating and exercise habits to reduce your risk of further heart disease. You will be able to learn from others about what has worked for them, and offer your own ideas about dealing with the effects of heart disease. 

HEARTS AND HEALTH IN MOTION (HALIFAX, DARTMOUTH AND SURROUNDING AREAS)

(Previously known as "Community Cardiovascular Hearts in Motion" and "Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Health in Motion")
 
The Hearts & Health in Motion programs include  twelve weeks of supervised exercise (1-2 times per week) , and weekly one hour education sessions on health behaviors and cardiovascular risk factor management.
 
There are three locations in the Central Zone.  Hearts in Motion also offers mobile programs in the Guysborough, Antigonish and Richmond Counties and the southern portion of Inverness County. It is offered in one community at a time, throughout the region.  A ll programs provide the following: 
  • Individual Assessment by our Team of Health Professionals : a Nurse, Physiotherapist and Dietitian 
  • Supervised Group Exercise Program 
  • Nutrition Assessment and Individualized  Nutrition Plan
  • Realistic Goal Setting Approach to Health Behavior Change
  • Strategies and Guidelines for Home Exercise
  • Motivational Educational Sessions Designed to Improve Your Lifestyle and Health
The education sessions include topics such as: Understanding your Heart & Risk Factors for Heart Disease, Heart Healthy Eating, Exercise, Medications, Managing Stress and Mindful Eating. 
 
Your health team works with you for the 12 weeks that you are enrolled in the program and may consult our Medical Director/Cardiologist as part of your care.

PICTOU COUNTY CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

A 12 week supervised exercise program for individuals and partners living with coronary artery disease. It is held twice each week at the New Glasgow YMCA. Referrals are required from a health care provider. 

SOUTH SHORE HOSPITAL CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic is part of Chronic Disease Management Program.

The program is delivered in partnreship with the Lunenburg County YMCA. 

The group program runs for 10 weeks (two times a week) at the YMCA in Bridgewater. The program offers supervised exercise and group education on topics related to living well with chronic disease and managing risk factors. Sessions are supervised by a registered nurse (RN) and a Physiotherapist or Registered Kinesiologist with special training in health education and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

VALLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM (a.k.a EXTENDED WARRANTY II VALLEY CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM)

Extended Warranty II Valley Cardiac Rehab Program is a 10 week lifestyle and nutrition program for people with heart disease, stroke and heart failure. The program includes education sessions, exercise sessions and cooking classes. We accept referrals from family doctors and specialists. Partners are encouraged to attend the education and cooking sessions. We have a rolling enrolment and enter a new group every 5 weeks.

YARMOUTH CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

This is a 10 week exercise and education program

More about this service

Location and contact information

BRIDGEWATER & AREA FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Bridgewater & Area Family Health Clinic
Suite 110, Bridgewater Medical Arts Building
42 Glen Allan Drive
Bridgewater, NS B4V 3N2
902-527-2417
Monday - Friday
DIRECTIONS

or

Lunenburg County YMCA
ph: 902-543-9622
Tuesday & Thursday

CAPE BRETON CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Cape Breton Heart and Lung Wellness Centre
200 Churchill Drive, Unit 200
B1S 0H5
ph 902-563-8566
fax - 563-8572
DIRECTIONS

CARDIAC MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (TRURO)

Colchester East Hants Health Centre
600 Abenaki Road
Truro, NS B2N 5A1
ph 902-893-5528
fax - 893 3713
DIRECTIONS

HEARTS AND HEALTH IN MOTION

Cobequid Community Health Centre
40 Freer Lane, Lower Sackville
Office: 902-473-3846
Fax: 902-473-3338 
DIRECTIONS

Zatzman Sportsplex
110 Wyse Road, Dartmouth                                                                                
Office: 902-490-3283                                                                                                        
DIRECTIONS

Mumford Professional Centre 
6960 Mumford Rd, Suite 2057, Corridor 2
Halifax, Nova Scotia   B3L4P1
Office: 902-473-3846
Fax: 902-473-7855
DIRECTIONS

Hearts in Motion also offers mobile programs in the Guysborough, Antigonish and Richmond Counties and the southern portion of Inverness County. It is offered in one community at a time, throughout the region.
Phone: (902) 863-7192 or (902) 863-7193

PICTOU COUNTY CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

New Glasgow YMCA
2756 Westville Rd, New Glasgow, NS
B2H 5C6
ph: 902-752-7600 ext. 4700
or phone the YMCA at ph: 902-752-0202 
DIRECTIONS

SOUTH SHORE CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

South Shore Regional Hospital
fax 902-543-8895
phone 902-543-4604 ext 2222
DIRECTIONS

VALLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM (aka EXTENDED WARRANTY II CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM)

Valley Regional Hospital
15 Exhibition St
Kentville, NS B4N 5E3
Telephone:   Victoria Murray 902 679-2657 x2621
Email:    victoria.murray@nshealth.ca
DIRECTIONS

YARMOUTH CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Yarmouth YMCA
275 Main St
Yarmouth, NS B5A 4B1
Telephone: (902) 742-3542 ext 1460
DIRECTIONS

How do I make an appointment?

This process varies by region:

BRIDGEWATER & AREA FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
A referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner is required.

All patients referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program are first assessed in the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clinic by an RN. A comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk assessment is completed and a personalized exercise prescription is provided.

CAPE BRETON CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Ask your doctor if a referral to the Heart and Lung Wellness Centre is appropriate for you. He or she will complete a referral form (.pdf - form OT6860) and mail or fax it to our Centre. You may be contacted by our staff for further information. If you meet the program criteria for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation, you will be advised of a date to enter the program and schedule for sessions. 

There are no fees for our programs. We only ask for your attendance as scheduled and compliance with program activities. We want your participation to be productive and enjoyable. 

HEARTS AND HEALTH IN MOTION
If you have recently been an inpatient at the QEII hospital in the Central Zone due to Hheart related conditions, you will be automatically referred to our programs.  Otherwise your family doctor or another health care professional (such as your Diabetes Care Team) can send a referral to our Hearts and Health in Motion program.

SOUTH SHORE CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to the Cardiovascular Health Clinic using form CV-0001 (.pdf download)

YARMOUTH CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM
A referral from an internist is required

VALLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM (a.k.a EXTENDED WARRANTY II VALLEY CARDIAC REHAB PROGRAM)
Clients are usually referred to the program by a physician, but you can also refer yourself in to the program.

 

Who Is the Program For?

This information varies by region.

BRIDGEWATER & AREA FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
This program is intended for patients with a history of:

  • Stroke (Brain Attack) or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)
  • Myocardial Infarction (Heart attack) or Angina Pectoris
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
  • Cardiac Surgery including valve replacements and heart transplant
  • Chronic heart failure and/or Cardiomyopathy
  • Or at least 3 major risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease:

  • Diabetes Mellitus (type 1 or 2)
  • Smoking
  • Dyslipidemia  (high cholesterol)
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • High risk family history (Coronary artery disease in first degree relatives before the age of 60)
  • Physical inactivity

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs for Patients:

  • 25% lower Cardiac Mortality in patients with Coronary Artery Disease
  • Reduced symptoms of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure
  • Improved average blood pressure and cholesterol profile
  • A decrease in smoking rates by 16-27%
  • Improved flexibility and strength
  • Improved ability to do usual daily activities
  • Improved psychological and emotional well-being

Source: Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation 2009 URL: http://www.cacr.ca

CAPE BRETON HEART & LUNG WELLNESS CENTRE
You may benefit from the programs of the Heart and Lung Wellness Centre if you have any of the following medical conditions: 
Post Myocardial Infarction Post Angioplasty 
Post Coronary Bypass Surgery Acute Coronary Syndrome Individuals at High Risk for Coronary Artery Disease Chronic Lung Disease 

Participation in the Heart and Lung Wellness Centre programs can help you: 
Decrease Shortness of Breath Im prove Fitness 
Decreased Cholesterol Levels Control/Decrease Blood Pressure 
Control/Decrease Weight Improve Quality of Life 

CARDIAC MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (TRURO)
A physician referral is required.

HEARTS AND HEALTH IN MOTION
This program is for people WITH or AT RISK for Heart & Vascular Disease and other conditions related to the heart including cerebral vascular disease (stroke), heart failure, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation to the legs), atrial fibrillation (Afib), and heart valve disease.  The program is also for people who have High Risk for heart disease with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

SOUTH SHORE CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
This program is for people with a history of:

  • Stroke (Brain Attack) or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) (mini stroke) Heart attack or Angina
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Cardiac Surgery (including valve replacements and heart transplant)
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Or at least 3 major risk factors for heart disease, such as: diabetes (type 1 or 2), smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, close family members with heart disease before age 60
  • All patients referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program are first assessed in the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clinic by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (RN) and a Registered Dietitian (PDt). A Cardiovascular Risk assessment is completed and a personalized exercise plan is provided.

Forms and Documents

Cape Breton Heart & Lung Wellness Centre Referral Form (OT6860) .pdf
South Shore Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Referral Form (CV-001) .pdf
Hearts and Health in Motion Referral Form .pdf

For Healthcare Professionals

Please visit the Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia corporate page.