Cardiac Rehabilitation in Mississauga for Recovery and Long-Term Heart Health

At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, we provide a specialized cardiac rehab service to treat conditions associated with the heart. Our certified staff are trained to provide an effective and comprehensive approach to help you improve your cardiovascular health. Our team is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments that will help you regain peak health.


Our cardiac rehab program includes exercise training, lifestyle modifications, dietary advice and psychological support. We also provide monitored exercise sessions using state-of-the-art equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes and ellipticals. All of our programs are tailored specifically for your needs and monitored by experienced professionals. Whether you are recovering from a heart attack or surgery, or living with chronic heart disease, our team can help you manage your condition and live a healthy life.

Contact us today to find out more about our cardiac rehab services!

Book an Appointment

Common Causes of Cardiac Conditions

Common Causes of Cardiac Conditions Heart disease and cardiac events can result from a combination of medical, lifestyle, and genetic factors. The most common causes and contributing conditions include:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The most common cause of heart attacks. Occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of fatty plaques (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is completely blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. A heart attack is a medical emergency and is one of the primary reasons a patient is referred to cardiac rehabilitation.

Heart Failure

A chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. It can result from a previous heart attack, high blood pressure, or damaged heart valves, and causes fatigue, breathlessness, and fluid retention.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Persistent high blood pressure puts excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure over time

High Cholesterol

Elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol contribute to the build-up of plaques in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart.

Heart Valve Disease

Damage or defects in the heart's valves can disrupt normal blood flow through the heart. Treatment may involve valve repair or replacement surgery, after which cardiac rehab supports recovery.

Cardiac Surgery

Patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve surgery, or other cardiac procedures are routinely referred to cardiac rehab to support safe recovery and rehabilitation.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation (AF) can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Lifestyle Risk Factors

Smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, a poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are all major modifiable risk factors that contribute significantly to the development of heart disease.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to the damaging effects of elevated blood sugar on blood vessels and the heart.

Common Symptoms of Heart Conditions

Recognizing the symptoms of heart conditions is critical for early intervention. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition, but the most commonly reported include:

  • Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort, particularly during physical activity or stress. This is often described as a squeezing or heavy sensation and may radiate to the arm, jaw, neck, or back.
  • Shortness of breath during everyday activities or at rest, which may worsen when lying flat.
  • Persistent fatigue and weakness, even with minimal exertion, a hallmark symptom of heart failure.
  • Palpitations, an awareness of the heart beating rapidly, irregularly, or too forcefully. 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, which may indicate poor cardiac output or arrhythmia. 
  • Swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, or legs, often associated with heart failure and fluid retention.
  • Persistent cough or wheezing, which can occur when fluid accumulates in the lungs as a result of heart failure. 
  • Reduced exercise tolerance, finding activities that were previously manageable are now difficult or impossible.
  • Nausea or indigestion-like discomfort, particularly during a cardiac event. 
  • Cold sweats and pallor, which may accompany a heart attack or episode of severe heart failure

How Physiotherapy Helps in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Physiotherapists are central members of the cardiac rehabilitation team. They assess each patient individually and design a safe, progressive exercise and recovery program tailored to their current fitness level, medical status, and personal goals.

Exercise Prescription and Supervised Training

One of the most important roles of a physiotherapist in cardiac rehab is prescribing and supervising therapeutic exercise. Exercise is proven to reduce mortality, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the heart muscle, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve overall quality of life. The physiotherapist carefully monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms during sessions to ensure exercise is performed safely and effectively. Program are progressively advanced as the patient's fitness and confidence improve.

Aerobic Conditioning 

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, is the cornerstone of cardiac rehab. The physiotherapist establishes safe target heart rate zones and gradually increases the duration and intensity of aerobic activity over the course of the program, improving cardiovascular endurance and heart efficiency.

Resistance and Strength Training

Gentle resistance training is incorporated to rebuild muscle strength, which is often significantly reduced following a cardiac event or surgery. Improved muscle strength reduces the strain placed on the heart during everyday activities such as lifting, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries.

Breathing Exercises and Respiratory Physiotherapy

Following cardiac surgery or in patients with heart failure, breathing can be significantly affected. Physiotherapists teach diaphragmatic breathing techniques, use of an incentive spirometer, and airway clearance strategies to improve lung function, reduce breathlessness, and prevent post-operative complications such as chest infections.

Education and Self-Management

Physiotherapists educate patients on understanding their condition, recognizing warning signs during exercise, self-monitoring (heart rate, perceived exertion, symptoms), and how to exercise safely at home between sessions. This empowers patients to take control of their own recovery and long-term health.

Falls Prevention and Balance Training

Older cardiac patients or those on certain medications may be at increased risk of falls. Physiotherapists assess balance and functional mobility and incorporate targeted exercises to reduce this risk and support safe independence

Who Can Benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for a wide range of patients, including those who have:

  • Experienced a heart attack (myocardial infarction) 
  • Undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or heart valve surgery • Had a percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty/stent insertion)
  • Been diagnosed with stable angina or coronary artery disease 
  • Been diagnosed with heart failure 
  • Had a cardiac device implanted (pacemaker or implantable defibrillator) 
  • Been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease
  • Had a heart transplant

Research consistently shows that patients who complete a cardiac rehabilitation program have significantly lower rates of hospital readmission, reduced mortality, improved quality of life, and better long-term cardiovascular outcomes compared to those who do not participate. Cardiac rehab is one of the most evidence-based and cost-effective interventions available in cardiovascular medicine.

After Care: Taking Your Knowledge Home

Cardiac Rehab at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab is an innovative program that puts the patient at the forefront. Our professionals are highly trained in working with individuals recovering from cardiovascular issues, and providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to prevent further health complications.


Through our comprehensive After Care program we make sure that our patients take home the vital information they need to improve their overall quality of life. We provide our patients with advice, guidance and support they need to make lasting changes in their lives and recover fully. With Delta Physio Rehab's After Care program, you can rest assured that you will be in safe hands every step of the way.

During the Program – The Process and Components of a Typical Session

Initial Assessment: During this phase, a patient will be assessed to determine the cause and extent of his/her injury or condition. The assessment process includes taking a full medical history, performing strength and flexibility tests, and checking for any abnormal movement patterns that could indicate an underlying issue.

Treatment Plan: After the initial assessment is complete, the physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs. This plan may include exercises, manual therapy techniques and/or other modalities such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound.

Education & Advice: As part of the rehabilitation process, patients at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab will receive education about their injury and advice on how to manage it going forward. This includes guidance on proper posture, prevention of future injuries and ergonomic tips for home or work environments.

Follow-up Appointments: Patients may be required to return for follow-up appointments in order to monitor progress and make modifications to the treatment plan if needed. These sessions generally last one hour plus additional time for paperwork and administrative tasks required by the clinic staff.

Patient Responsibility: Ultimately it is up to each patient to take an active participation in their recovery process by completing loading programs or rehab exercises prescribed by their physiotherapist outside of appointment times in order for them to reach their desired results in a timely manner.

Discharge from Care: When all goals have been achieved and pain has subsided sufficiently, patients will be discharged from care with instructions for maintenance program designed solely for them along with resources for further care if necessary in future should symptoms re-occur over time due decreased activity levels or lack of adherence to maintenance strategies suggested during discharge from care appointment(s).

FAQs

  • What exactly is Cardiac Rehab provided by Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab?

    Cardiac rehabilitation is a professionally supervised program we offer at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, designed to improve cardiovascular health following a heart attack or heart surgery. The program includes personalized exercises and education, giving patients the tools to maintain a healthier and active lifestyle. 

  • How long does a Cardiac Rehab program generally last?

    The period for a cardiac rehab program entirely depends on the individual’s recovery progress. Some patients may only need a couple of weeks, while others might require months. Our professional physiotherapists at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab will evaluate progress regularly and adjust the program as per individual needs.

  • What are the benefits associated with your cardiac rehabilitation services?

    The main aim of our cardiac rehabilitation service at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab is to regain strength, prevent your condition from worsening, and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Moreover, our professionals can provide coping strategies for managing stress or fatigue, thus enhancing overall lifestyle and well-being. Contact either our Central Parkway or Erin Mills location to schedule an appointment.

We Offer Direct Billing To Insurance Providers

We can file for direct billing if that's available with your insurance company. If you're unsure, give us a call, and we can find out for you. If you're not certain whether or not cardiac rehab program is covered under your health insurance plan, reach out to our staff, and we'll be happy to help you find out. You may also call your insurance provider to find out if you can get reimbursement before booking an appointment with us.