About the Program

Once we have accepted the referral, you will receive a phone call from the client navigator to determine your interest in the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program.

If interested in the program, the client navigator will let you know when to expect a call from the clerk to book three initial intake assessments with the registered nurse, cardiologist/nurse practitioner and registered kinesiologist. These will take place over approximately three weeks.

If you would like to book a one-to-one appointment with the registered dietician, this can be done both at intake and at any time while in the program.

The cardiologist/nurse practitioner may order a six-minute walk test or regular exercise stress test for you prior to beginning the exercise program. Results are shared in your one-on-one with your case manager during your initial phone call.

Regular Exercise Stress Test

• Performed on a treadmill at Diagnostic Imaging- Cardiac Diagnostics and supervised by a health care team for your safety. We use the results to provide a more accurate and safe target heart rate for your exercise program.  See the attached info sheet to learn more.
• Stress testing is available in Thunder Bay, Kenora, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout, Manitouwadge, and Red Lake.

Six-Minute Walk Test

• While being monitored by a registered kinesiologist, you will walk around the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation gym track for six minutes. The test measures your total distance and functional capacity.

If you live in Thunder Bay, all appointments will be made in person at the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program at 1040 Oliver Road. If you reside outside of Thunder Bay, virtual appointments are available through OTN or over the phone.

If you live in the region, there are:

• Three other independent sites with their own cardiologists and exercise programs: Dryden, Kenora, Sioux Lookout.
• Four sites where the exercise program is delivered locally by registered kinesiologists and/or physiotherapists, but you still connect with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) cardiologist virtually through OTN (Manitouwadge, Geraldton, Atikokan, Fort Frances).
• For communities in Northwestern Ontario not serviced by the above programs, TBRHSC provides a virtual education and exercise program.
• For more information, here is the Northwestern Ontario Cardiovascular Asset Map

Appointment 1: Registered nurse or allied health professional

• At this appointment, your current medications, health history, baseline vital signs and measurements will be taken. This is when you will be choosing a class time that best suits your lifestyle and schedule.

Appointment 2: Cardiologist or nurse practitioner appointment

• At this appointment, a medical professional will review your cardiovascular diagnosis and determine if you are medically stable to participate in the program.
• You may be recommended for a stress test or six-minute walk test prior to beginning the exercise program.

These appointments may be all on the same day, or over multiple days based on scheduling.

During the group orientation, you will learn what to bring and wear, where to go, and what to expect. You will not be doing any exercises during this appointment but will be given your exercise prescription and shown the exercise equipment. However, if you are notified to complete a six-minute walk test, you must bring exercise clothes and footwear for the orientation session. During this session, you will be given a personal risk profile and will discuss safe exercise parameters.

If you are meeting virtually, your case manager will make you aware of what is required to connect with your interprofessional team online.

This is where you will meet your Case Manager to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals, discuss your cardiovascular risk factors in depth, and address physical limitations.

You will now be ready to kick off your exercise program!

You will attend weekly group exercise classes lasting approximately 45 minutes, for up to 16 weeks. Your Rehabilitation Team will monitor you as you complete aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises that will be personalized to meet your goals and abilities.

Once you have successfully completed your first four exercise classes and are deemed medically stable, you may become eligible for additional drop-in exercise sessions. You will be made aware of these opportunities during gym classes if they pertain to you. Those who reside where no local program is available in person, we offer a weekly virtual exercise class on Wednesdays.

Your Cardiovascular Rehabilitation team will provide ongoing education sessions throughout your program if you are interested.

• Group virtual nutrition education sessions with a registered dietician are scheduled throughout the program. You will receive virtual invites via email.
• One-on-one sessions (virtually or in-person) with the registered dietitian and social worker are available.
• If interested, access to one-on-one sessions with the registered nurse for more in-depth health related questions are available.

All individual sessions are by appointment only and must be booked through the receptionist at 807-684-6780. Social work is available to provide community resources.