As we approach World Heart Day (Monday 29 September), a cardiology expert in the East Midlands is urging patients to attend cardiac rehabilitation sessions, calling it one of the most important factors in improving quality of life following a heart attack.

In the East Midlands, only 13% of patients with newly diagnosed heart failure take up cardiac rehabilitation.[1]

However, if a patient follows their clinician’s referral to cardiac rehabilitation, and attends the first session, they are far more likely to complete the full course.

In 2023/24, of the 5,696 heart failure patients in the East Midlands eligible for rehabilitation, only 726 patients (13%) started cardiac rehabilitation when referred to it; of those 726 referred patients who attended the first session, 516 (71%) completed the course.

Dr Ian Loke, Clinical Heart Failure Lead at the University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “Cardiac rehabilitation, be it after a heart attack, cardiac surgery or heart failure has been shown in multiple research studies to improve a patient’s quality of life, reduce hospital admissions and lengthen life. The benefit of rehabilitation on the individual is sometimes equivalent to being on heart medication.

“Many patients have been inactive for years and feel uncertain about returning to physical activity. I encourage them to focus on long-term wellbeing and see rehabilitation as a step toward a better quality of life beyond their recent illness.”

Mike, 63, runs his own business in Hinckley as a French polisher. He was referred to Glenfield Hospital, Leicester in March 2025 after episodes of breathlessness.

Mike said: “I was walking my dogs Chip and Lucky Lou in Hinckley and noticed I was getting more breathless during every walk. My GP at Station View in Hinckley referred me for scans and that is where they discovered I had secondary to severe aortic valve disease. I was immediately referred to a surgeon who inserted a valve in my heart.

“I’m currently going through the Breathlessness (Cardiac) Rehabilitation at Glenfield Hospital, twice a week for six weeks.

“I start with a warm-up on the treadmill to measure my ability, and then move onto doing weights, and go onto a bike.  The session lasts about 90 minutes.

“I’m finding the breathlessness rehab programme very useful, and I am already seeing benefits. I’m able to walk Chip and Lucky Lou again which I thought I wouldn’t be able to do. My main goals are to improve my walking levels and lose weight.

“If I could advise other people who have my condition, I’d tell them to persevere, as things won’t happen overnight. It’s not a quick fix but keep it up and you’ll see results. I feel optimistic. and I would encourage others to be that way, as well.”

If you have any concerns about your health please contact your GP in the first instance or if you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack call 999.

[1] Cardiac rehabilitation done in the East Midlands