Cardiac rehabilitation in Düsseldorf: your way back to an active life

Cardiac rehabilitation, often referred to as „cardiac rehab,“ is a physician-led, multidisciplinary program that helps patients recover their physical and mental health after a cardiac event and reduce the risk of future problems.¹ It is a crucial and indispensable step after a heart attack, bypass operation or stent implantation.² As your cardiology practice in Düsseldorf, we accompany you as part of the outpatient Cardiac rehabilitation long-term and in partnership on your way back to an active, safe and enjoyable everyday life.

The goals of cardiac rehabilitation: more than just physical training

The goal of a modern Cardiac rehabilitation goes far beyond mere physical recovery. It is a holistic approach that aims to empower you as a patient to become the expert on your own condition and regain control of your health.

The central objectives are:

Increase in physical performance: Safe and gradual recovery of strength and endurance under medical supervision.
Reduction of risk factors: Consistent adjustment of blood pressure and cholesterol, support with smoking cessation and weight management.
Reduction of fear and insecurity: Regaining confidence in your own body and its resilience.³
Improving the quality of life: Enabling a return to work, hobbies and an active social life.
Reduction in the risk of recurrent cardiac events: A consistently implemented Cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to reduce mortality and the rate of re-infarction.⁴

The phases of cardiac rehabilitation: from hospital back to everyday life

The Cardiac rehabilitation in Germany is typically divided into three phases, which merge seamlessly into one another.

Phase I (acute phase): Begins just a few days after the event in the acute hospital. It includes initial mobilization under physiotherapeutic guidance.
Phase II (post-acute rehabilitation): This is the actual „rehab“. It usually takes place over a period of 3-4 weeks, either as an inpatient in a rehabilitation clinic or as a day patient in an outpatient rehabilitation facility. An intensive training program and comprehensive training courses take place here.
Phase III (long-term outpatient phase): This phase begins after completion of rehab and ideally lasts a lifetime. It is supported by practicing cardiologists and outpatient „heart groups“. This is precisely where we are your central medical partner.

Cardiac rehabilitation in our practice: your long-term outpatient care

After your return from the rehabilitation clinic, the decisive phase of long-term implementation and monitoring begins. As your supervising cardiology practice, we take over in phase III of the Cardiac rehabilitation the following important tasks:

Regular cardiological checks: We monitor the healing process and the condition of your heart using ECG, cardiac ultrasound and stress tests.
Optimization of drug therapy: Secondary prevention with medication is a cornerstone of rehab. We continuously adapt your medication to your needs and target values.
Medical supervision of heart groups: Dr. Raphael Bruno works with local outpatient heart groups and provides medical supervision and advice.
Individual load recommendations: We use stress tests to determine your individual and safe training pulse ranges for sport in the cardio group and in everyday life.

The pillars of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

The long-term Cardiac rehabilitation is based on several pillars that together ensure success.⁵

Building block	What does this involve?	Your benefit
Medical care	Regular check-ups, medication management and stress tests in our practice.	Medical safety, adaptation of therapy to the latest standards, long-term risk minimization.
Movement therapy	Regular, supervised training in an outpatient cardiac group under the guidance of specially trained therapists.	Safe training in a group, increased stamina, enjoyment of exercise together.
Risk factor management	Continuous monitoring and adjustment of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Advice on nutrition.	Active reduction of the causes that led to the first cardiac event.
Psychosocial support	Exchange with like-minded people in the heart group, learn stress management strategies, reduce anxiety.	Mental strengthening, improvement of mental well-being, prevention of depression.

Who benefits from cardiac rehabilitation?

One Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended after practically all serious cardiovascular events or interventions and is covered by health insurance.⁶

Typical indications are

Condition after a heart attack⁷
Condition after heart bypass surgery
Condition after stent implantation
Condition following heart valve surgery or catheter-based valve replacement
Patients with stable, chronic heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)
Condition after a heart transplant

Frequently asked questions about cardiac rehabilitation

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about cardiac rehab.

Do I have to go to hospital for cardiac rehabilitation?

The first phase (Phase I) takes place in the acute hospital.⁸ The subsequent several-week rehabilitation (phase II) can either take place as an inpatient in a rehabilitation clinic or, if you wish to stay at home, as a day patient in an outpatient rehabilitation facility. The important long-term phase (phase III) then takes place completely on an outpatient basis with your cardiologist and in a heart group.

Who prescribes cardiac rehabilitation?

The need for a Cardiac rehabilitation (Phase II) is usually determined in the acute hospital. The hospital's social services department will help you to apply to your insurance provider (pension insurance or health insurance). Your cardiologist will then issue the prescription for participation in an outpatient cardiac group (phase III).

Does the health insurance company cover the costs?

Yes, the Cardiac rehabilitation is a recognized and evaluated medical service. The costs for Phase II are usually covered by pension insurance (if you are in employment) or health insurance. The costs for participation in a certified outpatient heart group are also covered by health insurance for a limited period of time.

What is an „outpatient heart group“?

An outpatient heart group is a group of heart patients who meet regularly (usually 1-2 times a week) to exercise together under the guidance of a specially qualified exercise instructor and under medical supervision.⁹ It is the centerpiece of the long-term Cardiac rehabilitation and combines exercise, social interaction and medical safety.

Do I have to be sporty to take part in a heart group?

No, not at all. The heart groups are divided into different fitness levels, from pure exercise groups to groups with endurance sports. Before taking part, your individual fitness level will be determined in our practice using an exercise ECG in order to find the right group for you.

How long should I take part in a heart group?

The health insurance companies usually approve participation for 1-2 years. From a medical point of view, however, the aim of Cardiac rehabilitation, that you integrate exercise as an integral part of your life. Many patients remain in their group as self-payers even after the cost coverage ends, as they value the safety and the community.

I'm afraid of overloading my heart during sport. Is that justified?

This fear is completely normal and understandable after a cardiac event. This is exactly where the Cardiac rehabilitation Under professional guidance, you will learn how to correctly interpret your body's signals and safely dose your exercise. Training in the heart group under medical supervision is the safest way to regain this confidence.

What happens alongside sport in cardiac rehabilitation?

A good Cardiac rehabilitation also includes comprehensive training programs. You will learn everything you need to know about your condition, how your medication works, a heart-healthy diet and how to deal with stress.¹⁰ This knowledge makes you a competent partner in managing your own health.

Can I go back to work after cardiac rehab?

Yes, that is one of the primary goals of the Cardiac rehabilitation. The program is designed to get you fit enough to return to work. The social services of the rehabilitation clinic and your cardiologist will advise you on the gradual reintegration.

My heart attack was a long time ago. Can I still start rehab?

Yes, it is never too late. Even if the event happened some time ago, you can still benefit from the elements of Phase III of the Cardiac rehabilitation benefit. Talk to us. We can test your current exercise tolerance and enable you to join a suitable outpatient cardiac group.

Your active path to long-term heart health

One Cardiac rehabilitation is not a passive process, but an active opportunity that you can seize. It is the starting point for a new, more conscious and healthier phase of your life. As your cardiology partner in Düsseldorf, we will accompany and support you on this path. Contact us to plan your long-term aftercare and rehabilitation.