Wirral Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

11/02/2026

💛 Cardiac Rehab Week 2026

Staff insight...

Lead Exercise Physiologist, Jen, shares her thoughts on cardiac rehab.

Many people are worried about being pushed too hard during the exercise sessions. Often, they have had a period of recovery after their heart event or surgery or may have had symptoms of breathlessness or chest pains in the weeks or months prior. This can cause people to be afraid of pushing themselves during exercise in case symptoms are brought on.

We monitor everyone closely during a walking test before beginning the exercise programme to check that measurements such as heart rate and blood pressure respond appropriately. We also closely monitor any symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain.

This is all factored into the exercise programme to ensure it is both effective and safe.

There is a great atmosphere in the classes. We put on some music and have a good laugh whilst making our hearts stronger!

11/02/2026

💜 Cardiac rehab core components

Health behaviour change and education

Supporting patients with making positive health behaviour changes as well as providing accessible information to increase knowledge and provide reassurance helps people make changes which last a lifetime.

11/02/2026

❤️ All about cardiac rehab...

Information and education sessions

You may also attend information sessions, visit useful websites (such as the British Heart Foundation) or be given a booklet or manual to read at home.

The information will cover different topics such as eating healthily, learning about your medications, the importance of stopping smoking and relaxation techniques. The topics that you cover will be based on what is important and of interest to you.

10/02/2026

💙 Cardiac rehab core components

Lifestyle risk factor management

Ensuring risk factors such as physical inactivity, smoking and unhealthy eating habits are adjusted are key to supporting heart health.

10/02/2026

💚 All about cardiac rehab...

Peer support

Cardiac rehab offers a great opportunity to meet people who are in a similar situation as yourself, share experiences and provide a support network. You may meet people at your exercise or information session. Some programmes offer specific peer support sessions, use group video calling or social media.

10/02/2026

💜 Cardiac Rehab Week 2026

Staff insight...

Senior Exercise Physiologist, Hannah, shares her thoughts on cardiac rehab.

Cardiac rehab is like its own medication for your heart. Treat it as such, and you will gain so many benefits that will set you up for a positive, healthy future. Let us help you take those first steps!

Take care of your heart, it’s the only one you have!

10/02/2026

It is so important to stay mobile and active in hospital, you don't always need to stay in bed!

Staying active while you’re in hospital can make a real difference to your recovery.

Spending long periods in bed can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness and reduced mobility. In fact, around one week of bed rest can result in up to a 10% loss of muscle strength. This can affect confidence, balance and independence.

Even small amounts of movement help. Sitting out of bed, gentle exercise or short walks can speed recovery.

Make sure you get the support you need from our teams to help you move safely and at the right pace for you. If you're a carer or family member visiting your loved one, help them to get up, get dressed and get moving if they are well enough.

09/02/2026

❤️ Cardiac Rehab Week 2026

If you've been referred to cardiovascular rehabilitation but are not sure what it is or what to expect, this animated video by the British Heart Foundation gives a good overview of the main components.

https://youtu.be/GU4LFDHf9hE?sfnsn=scwspmo

In this video, we talk about what cardiac rehab is and what you can expect to see when you start. We also talk about the importance of attending a cardiac re...

09/02/2026

It's Cardiac Rehab Week 2026!

We can't wait to share with you some information about the programme over the next 7 days....and beyond!



Help us spread the word about this vital part of recovery for those who have had a heart attack or heart surgery.

09/02/2026

WEEKLY HOME EXERCISE SNACKS

Exercise snacks are a great way to add in small chunks of activity throughout your day. They will take no more than 1 or 2 minutes to complete.

➡️ Complete each exercise 3 times throughout the day. Check out the video for each exercise snack in the reels tab.

❤ MONDAY
10 x Sit to Stand

🧡 TUESDAY
10 x Step ups each leg

💛 WEDNESDAY
10 x Side leg raise each leg

💚 THURSDAY
10 x Calf raises

💙 FRIDAY
10 x Leg swings each leg

💜 SATURDAY
10 x Half jacks each side

07/02/2026

06/02/2026

Study finds statins do not cause the majority of label side effects - BHF

Statins do not cause the majority of the conditions that have been listed in their package leaflets, according to the most comprehensive review of side effects