Online Resource Library

A library of digital and video resources to provide you with information and tools to take charge of your heart health.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important step on the road to recovery following a heart attack, heart event, procedure or surgery. Our  program helps participants gain confidence in their physical activity and exercise abilities, and provides them with the information and support to help them manage symptoms, medications and risk factors more effectively.

People who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program reduce their chances of future heart problems and hospitalizations, improve their overall fitness so they can return to their daily activities and workplace sooner, and enjoy improved quality of life.

To learn more about our program, click here.

The TotalCardiology Rehabilitation program is one of the largest outpatient programs in Canada. Each year our program helps thousands of people improve their physical fitness and heart health.

Our program serves the Alberta Health Services – Calgary Zone boundaries. If you are from outside of Calgary, our office will automatically send your referral to your local program.

Preparing for Your Appointment

What to bring to your appointment

  • Alberta Health Card + Photo ID
  • If English is a second language, please bring a translator with you
  • A list of your medications - including the name of the medication, how often you take it, and the amount you take.

Exercise Stress Test Instructions

An exercise stress test will be scheduled for you when it is safe to do so.  If you have recently had surgery, a recovery period is needed before we can schedule this appointment.
An exercise stress test tells us how your heart works during physical activity so that a safe exercise program can be developed to fit your abilities.
Please read the instructions for how to prepare for this test prior to your appointment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

What services does TotalCardiology Rehabilitation offer?

TotalCardiology Rehabilitation offers a variety of programs:

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

A 12-week exercise and education program for those recovering from a heart event, heart surgery or living with a heart condition.  The program helps participants gain confidence in activity and exercise after returning home from the hospital.  Participants will be followed by a team of exercise physiologists and registered nurses during their time in the program. They will provide participants with the information, tools and support necessary to manage symptoms, medications, and risk factors more effectively.

An exercise program will be developed based on your abilities and medical history to help you safely improve your physical and cardiovascular fitness. These may include walking, running, biking, stretching and more – whatever you can do and are comfortable doing.

Participants will receive information on heart healthy lifestyle changes and personalized support for safe and effective exercise.  An online resource library with digital and video materials has been developed to support participants.  Printed versions of these materials are provided to those without computer or internet access.

Risk Factor Management

We offer exercise programming and risk factor management to other groups of patients with chronic conditions, including those with medically-managed peripheral artery disease (non-limb threatening ischemia, ventricular assist device, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and bladder cystectomy.

How do I sign up for one of your programs?

A referral from your doctor, cardiologist or specialist is required for the cardiac rehabilitation program.

Individuals who want to determine their level of heart fitness and risk of developing heart disease can undergo a heart health assessment without a doctor referral.  There is a fee for this service.

Is there a fee for the cardiac rehabilitation program?

There is no cost for the initial doctor’s appointment to determine if the cardiac rehabilitation program is right for you. If you decide to join the cardiac rehabilitation program after this initial appointment, there is a program fee of $375 ($125 per month for three months). We have financial assistance and flexible payment options available. 

Are your programs and services covered by Alberta Health?

The program fee for cardiac rehabilitation is not currently covered by Alberta Health Care. For some individuals, the program fee may be deducted through personal insurance coverage or covered through an extended health benefits plan (personal or spousal).

Some medical expenses not covered by provincial health care or private insurance may qualify as tax deductible medical expenses under Canada Revenue Agency legislation. For a list of tax eligible, tax-deductible medical expenses, visit the Canada Revenue Agency page on Claiming Eligible Medical Expenses on your Tax Returns.

Who needs a cardiac rehabilitation program?

Many people of all ages who have heart issues can benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program.  Participants who take part in our cardiac rehabilitation program often have a history of:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable/stable angina)
  • Angioplasty
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Valve surgery
  • Heart failure

We have also adapted our program to serve additional groups of patients in managing chronic conditions, including:

  • Medically-managed peripheral artery disease (non-limb threatening ischemia),
  • Ventricular assist device
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
  • Bladder cystectomy
What is an exercise stress test?

All referred participants will have an exercise stress test to see if the the program is right for them. An exercise stress test is done by walking on a treadmill. If unable to walk on a treadmill,  a bike or arm ergometer test may be done instead.

An exercise stress test provides the doctor with information about how your heart works during physical activity. The test can show whether enough blood flows to your heart when it's working hard. This helps to determine:

  • Your likelihood of having coronary artery disease (CAD) or to see how serious this disease is in those who are known to have it;
  • If you have any abnormal heart rhythms;
  • The effectiveness of your current treatment plan – including medications and procedures like angioplasty;
  • A safe and effective exercise intensity and plan.

Individuals will meet with a doctor before the test to review medical history and again after the test to review the results.

What if I don’t know how to use exercise equipment?

It is normal to feel nervous about starting an exercise program, especially following a heart event or surgery. Your rehab team will work with you teach you proper exercise techniques, such as warming up and stretching, and provide guidance on how to safely add in different types of activity and equipment to your routine.  To ensure your exercise program is safe and effective for you, your rehab team will teach you how to monitor your intensity (or how hard you are working) during exercise and how to manage any symptoms that may arise with activity.

Can I bring a guest to my appointments?

A support person is welcome to accompany you to all your scheduled appointments. This support person will not be able to be with you in the lab during your exercise stress test but can be present to discuss the results with you and the doctor after the test.

Where are you located?

Our main clinic office is located on the lower level of MNP Community & Sport Centre located at 2225 Macleod Trail South. This is the white tent building across from Stampede grounds. Enter the facility through the main south entrance.

For maps and directions, click here.