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For New Patients
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For New Patients

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​​ If you were referred to UHN’s Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation program, you might be wondering what it’s all about. This section has everything you need to know to get started.

First, welcome! It’s not always easy to start something new. You may have just had a heart event or learned you have a heart problem. We are here for you. We have helped more than 60,000 people make lifestyle changes to improve their health. We hope you join us too.

Included on this page:

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What to Expect

Watch the video or read through the comic to learn about our Cardiac Rehab programs located at Toronto Rehab’s Rumsey Centre and Toronto Western Hospital. The teams at both programs excel at patient-centred care and are here to support you.

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Cardiac Rehab at UHN

Click here to read a pamphlet about the 2 Cardiac Rehab programs at UHN. You will learn what cardiac rehab is and how it can help you recover from a heart condition or heart event.

Welcome to Cardiac Rehab Comic
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Components of our program
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Exercise Training

You may come to the hospital to complete an exercise stress test. This test measures your fitness level. Our team uses the information from this test to create an exercise program that is safe and effective for you.

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Heart Health Education

Join weekly sessions to get expert advice from your cardiac rehab team on exercise and education related to your care.

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Nutrition Counseling

You can access one-to-one counseling sessions with a registered dietitian and group workshops.

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Psychosocial Support

You can receive one-to-one and group support with a social worker or psychologist.

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Medical Consulation

Meet with a doctor to review risk factor management with the option to optimize medications.​

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Welcome to Cardiac College

Watch this video to hear Dr. Paul Oh, Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program, talk about the education resources you can access on the Cardiac College website.

These resources can help you manage your heart disease and take control of your health.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get referred to the program?
What are the benefits of the program?
Will I feel better after attending the program?
Who will contact me to get started? When?
I recently did a stress test with my doctor. Do I need another stress test to start the program?
When can I start the program?
How much does the program cost?
How long is the program? How often do I have to attend?
What is a Hybrid program? What is a Virtual program?
What is involved in the program? What kind of exercise will I do on the program?
What days and times are available to do the program?
What other services are available as part of the program?
Where can I find more information about the program?
How do I get to the cardiac rehab program?
Where do I park?
Who can join the cardiac rehab programs at UHN?
Can I join the program if I don’t live in Toronto?
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Important Information and Forms
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Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilites

While receiving care at UHN, you have rights as a patient, as well as responsibilities as a patient. You can access this full document for more information.

Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

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Checklist for Appointment
  • If you have any respiratory or gastric symptoms 10 days before your appointment, please call us to re-schedule for when you are feeling well.
  • Take all of your medicines as usual (including insulin and heart medicines, if prescribed).
  • If you have had a recent change to your beta blocker (medicines that end in “-olol”, such as metoprolol) or other heart medicines, call us before coming to the Centre. Bring your Health Card, reading glasses, walking aid, and hearing aids.
  • Wear loose fitting exercise clothing and comfortable shoes for the test
  • Eat as you normally would. Avoid eating a heavy meal, smoking, and marijuana at least 2 hours before your test.
  • Do not exercise for 24 hours before your test.
  • Leave valuables at home or bring a lock to use. Change rooms and day lockers are available
  • Schedule 60 to 90 minutes to complete the appointment.
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Who to contact for more information
  • Danielle Barry-Hickey, Service Coordinator
    416-597-3422 extension 5200
  • Renee Konidis, Program Manager
    416-597-3422 extension 5237 ​
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