You’ve made it through the heart attack, the stent, or the bypass surgery. Maybe it was unexpected—or maybe it was a long time coming. Either way, the hardest part should be over… right?
Not quite.
The truth is, what you do after a cardiac event matters just as much as what happened in the hospital. And that’s where cardiac rehabilitation steps in.
At KidsHeart’s Adult Cardiology department in Abu Dhabi, we offer personalized, medically guided cardiac rehab plans designed to help you recover physically, emotionally, and mentally—right here, close to home.
What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured recovery program that supports patients who’ve experienced:
- A heart attack
- Coronary stent placement or bypass surgery
- A diagnosis of stable angina or heart failure
- Other significant cardiac procedures or rhythm disorders
It’s far more than “just exercise.” Cardiac rehab combines physical training, education, emotional support, and lifestyle coaching, all delivered under the supervision of a medical team.
A typical program includes:
- Tailored exercise sessions with heart monitoring
- Nutrition planning based on your culture and needs
- Medication management and education
- Stress and mental health support
- Cardiac testing, including ECG and echocardiogram as needed
Our goal? To help you get stronger, feel more confident, and reduce the risk of future heart events.
Why Cardiac Rehab Could Save Your Life
In the UAE, cardiovascular disease accounts for over 40% of all deaths—making it the nation’s leading killer. Even more concerning, studies show that UAE residents experience heart attacks a full decade earlier than patients in many Western countries.
So what happens after the heart event is critical.
Research shows that patients who complete a structured rehab program:
- Reduce their risk of cardiac death by up to 26%
- Lower their chances of hospital readmission by over 30%
- Experience less fatigue, anxiety, and depression
- Return to work and daily life faster and more safely
Despite these benefits, many patients in Abu Dhabi miss out—either because they weren’t referred, or because they don’t know such services exist locally.
That’s why we created our Cardiac Rehab program—to offer world-class support without leaving the city.
What Makes Our Abu Dhabi Program Unique
At KidsHeart, our program is designed for real life in the UAE. We understand that recovery needs to fit into a busy, family-centered lifestyle. Our care includes:
- Climate-controlled indoor exercise spaces, ideal for Abu Dhabi summers
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate workdays and prayer times
- Bilingual staff fluent in Arabic and English
- Culturally tailored dietary advice—yes, even during Ramadan
- Direct collaboration with your cardiologist, surgeon, or hospital team
Whether you’re a working professional, an older adult, or someone managing multiple conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, our team builds a plan around your exact needs.
We also work closely with patients in our Cardio-Diabetic Coordination and Hypertension & Lipid Disorders programs to ensure all aspects of recovery are covered.
A Typical Patient Journey
Here’s what the cardiac rehab experience at KidsHeart Abu Dhabi looks like:
- Initial Evaluation
We begin with a full assessment—medical history, ECG, vitals, medications, and any test results from your recent procedure. - Personalized Rehab Plan
Based on your recovery stage and health goals, we design a custom plan that includes safe, gradual physical activity, nutrition support, and education. - Ongoing Monitoring
During rehab sessions, your heart is monitored by our cardiology team. We adjust intensity and activities based on your progress. - Lifestyle Coaching and Education
From medication reminders to stress management tips, we empower you to make lasting heart-healthy changes. - Discharge and Maintenance
Once your rehab plan is complete, we help you transition to a maintenance program—whether that’s independent exercise or continued support at our clinic.
Who Should Join?
You don’t have to be a recent heart patient to benefit. You may be a candidate for cardiac rehab if you:
- Had a heart attack in the last 6–12 months
- Underwent bypass surgery or stent placement
- Have stable angina or newly diagnosed heart failure
- Feel physically weak, unfit, or fearful after a cardiac event
- Need medical supervision before returning to work or exercise
We also welcome referrals from local hospitals, specialists, or self-referring patients who want to restart their life with confidence.
Learn more about how we assess readiness through services like Stress Testing and Echocardiography.
Why Now, Why Here?
In Abu Dhabi, many cardiac patients assume that once their surgery or angioplasty is done, the job is finished. But healing the heart is only the beginning. Without rehab, you’re at risk of:
- Another cardiac event
- Worsening fatigue or depression
- Returning to unhealthy habits
- Longer-term disability or hospitalization
Our rehab program gives you the roadmap to move forward—safely and confidently. And because it’s based in Abu Dhabi, you don’t need to drive to another emirate or delay care due to scheduling stress.
Your Road to a Healthier Heart Starts Here
Whether you’re recovering from a heart event, living with chronic cardiac conditions, or supporting a loved one through recovery, cardiac rehab can make all the difference.
Our Adult Cardiology team at KidsHeart Abu Dhabi is here to help you reclaim your energy, independence, and peace of mind—one step at a time.
to schedule your cardiac rehab consultation. Your strongest, healthiest life is waiting—and we’ll walk that road with you.