Cardiac Rehabilitation Backgrounder
St. John's Rehab is the only hospital in Ontario solely dedicated to specialized rehabilitation. We are the only hospital in the Greater Toronto Area offering comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation programs following cardiac surgery. Our cardiac rehabilitation program offers care for patients recovering from recent cardiovascular surgery such as coronary bypass surgery, valve replacement and peripheral vascular surgery.
- As a teaching site of the University of Toronto, we excel in teaching and researching rehabilitation care.
- We have partnerships with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Cardiac Care Network, Community Care Access Centre, acute care centres and Toronto Rehab Institute cardiac outpatient services.
- Patients are admitted to our inpatient program as soon as three days following surgery.
- The average length of inpatient stay is 12-14 days.
- Our multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals develops realistic goals and timelines with each patient and keeps in close contact with the patient and his or her family. This helps achieve maximum recovery, independence and quality of life.
- The individually customized program consists of assessment, treatment and support focused on the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
- Patients receive education on cardiovascular health and learn about lifestyle changes to promote optimal health.
- Our highly skilled and committed multidisciplinary rehab team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, physicians, dietitians, social workers, psychologists and pastoral care.
- Patients can enjoy the hospital's 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways – a key element in their spiritual and emotional recovery.
Canadian cardiac facts
- According to Health Canada, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in Canada. It is the most costly disease for Canada's health care system.
- According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation:
- In 2002, cardiovascular disease accounted for 74,626 Canadian deaths.
- 32 per cent of all male deaths in Canada in 2002 were due to heart diseases, diseases of the blood vessels and stroke.
- The Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada estimates that at least 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke could be prevented through healthy diet, regular physical activity and a smoke-free lifestyle.
- Statistics Canada estimates that 370,861 people died from cardiovascular diseases in Canada from 2000 – 2004. Of this group, 184,282 were males and 186,579 were females.
- The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (2006) reports that depression in heart attack patients is under-diagnosed and under-treated. Depression could indicate risk for a second heart attack. It is estimated that 50 per cent of people experience “blue moods” in the first six weeks after treatment.
St. John's Rehab cardiac program patients (April 2006 – March 2007)
- Total inpatient beds: 17
- Inpatients admitted: 263
- Typical length of stay: 12 – 14 days
- Average age of patients: 74 years
- Patients aged 55 or older: 94.7 per cent
- Gender of patients: 49.8 per cent male, 50.2 per cent female