Cardiac rehabilitation in the Northwest.

AIM

To audit the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service in the Northwest.

METHODS

Patients were identified on the CR Information System. Indications, rate of uptake, demographics and complications were all recorded. Cardiovascular risk factors and exercise capacity before and after CR were compared. Systems for referral and phases I-IV were analysed.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-two patients were offered CR in 2006. 151 patients completed phase III. One-fifth attended outreach centres. Mean age was 62.9. 22% were female. No serious adverse events occurred during exercise training. A smoking quit rate of 26% was achieved. Mean blood pressures pre and post CR were 141/76 and 131/73 mmHg, respectively. The mean increase in exercise capacity was 2.85 mets.

CONCLUSIONS

CR in the Northwest provides a modern evolving programme. Enhanced referral rate, reduction in the duration of phase II, increased participation by women and improved accessibility will consolidate its contribution to cardiovascular disease management in this region.