Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab helps with your recovery and wellbeing after a heart attack or heart condition diagnosis. It reduces your risk of future heart events and improves your quality of life.

In this article

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation, or cardiac rehab, is a programme that supports you and your whānau after a heart event or heart surgery.

It helps with recovery and reduces your chance of another heart event. 

The programme teaches you how to look after your heart, including tips on:

  • healthy eating
  • staying active and exercising safely
  • recovery from surgery
  • mental wellbeing and support
  • sleep
  • returning to everyday life.

How does the programme work?

Most cardiac rehabilitation programmes are run by hospitals, primary healthcare organisations (PHOs) or community healthcare organisations. 

These programmes are usually free of charge. However, different regions have different criteria regarding which heart conditions are eligible for the service.

Some private organisations also offer cardiac rehabilitation classes. These are classes that you pay for, or that may be covered by health insurance. A few GP practices also run their own cardiac rehabilitation service.

The format and delivery of cardiac rehab programmes varies depending on the provider and your location.

In the past, cardiac rehab was always delivered in person, but increasingly it is offered online. 

You will need to contact your local hospital or your GP to find out how it runs in your community and whether you’re eligible.

Benefits of cardiac rehab

The main aim of cardiac rehabilitation is to help you get well and stay well after your heart event or diagnosis.

Studies show that going to cardiac rehab will:

  • make it less likely you’ll have to go back to hospital after your heart attack, surgery or other heart event
  • make it less likely you’ll have a future heart event
  • improve your quality of life.

Who is cardiac rehabilitation for?

Cardiac rehabilitation is useful for most people who have had a heart event or surgery, or been diagnosed with a heart condition. It can also help whānau. 

However, not all heart conditions are eligible for the free cardiac rehab service run by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Eligibility for your local service is decided by your local hospital or service provider.

As a general rule, cardiac rehab will be provided for people who have had:

  • a heart attack
  • a stent or coronary bypass surgery
  • another heart event, such as a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) or takutsubo event
  • valve surgery
  • a hospital admission for heart failure.

Speak to your doctor or cardiac nurse to find out whether you qualify for free Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora cardiac rehabilitation in your area.

You could also consider private cardiac rehabilitation if it’s affordable and available to you.

If you can’t attend cardiac rehab, there may be other services that can help with your recovery, such as health coaches or Green Prescription. 

Call our Heart Line to find out what’s available in your area on 0800 863 375.

If possible, you may also want to take a family member or friend with you to cardiac rehabilitation. It will help them better understand your condition and ways to support your recovery.

When should I start cardiac rehab?

Your cardiologist or nurse should provide you with this information before you leave hospital. It may also be noted on your discharge summary, which you should have received when you left hospital. 

If you’re not sure, contact your GP or local hospital cardiology service. 

Alternatively, if you’re thinking about private cardiac rehabilitation, contact your local provider for more information.

How do I enrol?

If you’re entitled to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora cardiac rehabilitation, you should have received information from your cardiologist or nurse before you left hospital. Sometimes you may be contacted shortly after you leave.

If you haven’t received any information after four weeks, contact your GP or your closest service. (Contact details are listed below.)

Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora cardiac rehab

Private cardiac rehab

There are a few private companies offering cardiac rehabilitation services in some parts of the country. There are also some providers who offer an online service, for those who can’t attend classes in person.

The model and cost varies. You’ll need to contact these organisations to find out more about the service they provide. 

In person

Ascend Health (Auckland)

027 294 7714

Axis exercise rehab for heart patients (Auckland)
09 521 9846

Heartbeats (Auckland)
022 060 6199

Heartworks (Wellington)
027 272 7835

One to One Healthy Hearts (Auckland)
09 426 1945

Virtual

EPR Clinic Virtual Cardiac Rehab Programme
021 049 8601