HSE Launches National Clinical Action Guide for Cardiac Rehabilitation to Improve Outcomes for People Living with Cardiovascular Disease

The Health Service Executive (HSE), through the National Heart Office, today marks World Heart Day 2026 with the publication of the HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide.

Developed by the Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease (ICPCD) in collaboration with the National Heart Office (NHO), the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC), patient experts and formally approved by the HSE Chief Clinical Officer Forum, this guide will support the implementation of the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation, 2023.

To mark the launch, a video has been published which explains how the programme works and highlights the positive impact cardiac rehabilitation is having on the lives of patients. Watch the video at this link.

Speaking about the new guide, Prof Ken McDonald, Consultant Cardiologist and National Clinical Co-Lead, National Heart Office said; "Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Ireland. Cardiac rehabilitation is one of the most effective evidence-based interventions available for people recovering from cardiac events, improving quality of life while reducing the risk of future cardiovascular complications and hospital admissions.

“This Clinical Action Guide provides a practical roadmap for healthcare teams to translate the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation into everyday clinical practice. It will support the continued development of rehabilitation services nationwide and help ensure that more patients can access the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation regardless of where they live."

Dr Sarah O’Brien, Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease, National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Chronic Disease, HSE emphasised the guide's focus on empowering patients and supporting their long-term health and wellbeing saying; “This Clinical Action Guide is a commitment to person-centred care - empowering people with their families to make informed decisions about their health and play an active role in recovery.

“By offering in-person, virtual and hybrid models of care, cardiac rehabilitation can be tailored around each person’s needs, preferences and circumstances. Grounded in self-management, and behaviour change, the guide will help people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect their cardiovascular health and live healthier, fuller lives.”

Dr Irene Gibson, National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health and Subject Matter Expert for the CR Clinical Action Guide working group, highlighted the vital contribution of interdisciplinary teams to the delivery of high quality cardiac rehabilitation. “Cardiac rehabilitation is most effective when patients are supported by an expert interdisciplinary team which includes cardiovascular nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, clinical psychologists and cardiologists who combine their expertise to address the medical, lifestyle and psychosocial factors that influence recovery and long-term cardiovascular health”

Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist, University Hospital Galway and ICPCD Galway City Chronic Disease Hub, HSE who chaired the CR Clinical Action Guide writing group said; "This is a hugely important milestone in strengthening cardiac rehabilitation services nationwide. Importantly, this guide aligns with Ireland's national health priorities, the European Union's Safe Hearts Plan and the World Heart Federation's roadmap for cardiac rehabilitation, supporting a holistic, lifelong and person-centred approach to cardiovascular care."

Prof Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer HSE continued; “I warmly welcome the publication of the HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide. Co-designed through close collaboration between clinical experts, national clinical programmes, and patient representatives, this guide supports the implementation of the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation by translating its principles and recommendations into everyday clinical practice.

“By providing practical guidance for the delivery of evidence-based cardiac rehabilitation services, it empowers our clinical teams to deliver more consistent, high-quality care, improve equitable access across the country, and ultimately transform long-term outcomes for people living with cardiovascular disease in Ireland.”

Peadar O’Ceallaigh a patient from Galway recently commenced the Galway City Hub Cardiac Rehabilitation programme led by Dr. Susan Connolly and her team, who have already implemented the Guide’s recommendations. Peadar said; “My experience with the cardiac rehabilitation programme in Galway was very positive, everyone was extremely helpful and I was impressed by the team’s experience, attentiveness and expertise. I would recommend anyone lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to take part in this programme. During one of my cardiac rehabilitation sessions, the team raised concerns about my health and advised me to undergo further checks, due to their vigilance and care, they very well may have saved my life.”

World Heart Day 2026
World Heart Day is observed annually, this year on 29th September, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and promote actions that support heart health. The publication of the HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide reflects the HSE's ongoing commitment to improving cardiovascular outcomes through prevention and proactive management, including ensuring equitable access to high-quality rehabilitation services across Ireland.

Notes to Editors

· The HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide has been developed by the Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease (ICPCD) in partnership with the National Heart Office (NHO), the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) and patient experts.

· Cardiac rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention designed to support recovery following cardiac events and improve long-term cardiovascular health.

· The guide is intended for healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services across acute and community care settings.

· The HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide is available at: https://about.hse.ie/api/v2/download-file/healthcare_professional_publications/HSE_Cardiac_Rehabilitation_Clinical_Action_Guide.pdf/

· The HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation was launched by the HSE in October 2023. It sets out best evidence and practice for a high quality, equitable and person-centred cardiac rehabilitation service for those living with cardiovascular disease. It aims to ensure that patients across the country will have access to a timely, evidence-informed, person-centred service, no matter where they live. Cardiac rehabilitation has consistently been demonstrated to significantly reduce morbidity, hospital admissions and mortality amongst patients with established cardiovascular disease while also increasing their quality of life.

· The HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation,2023 is available at: Available at: https://www.lenus.ie/server/api/core/bitstreams/e35df684-90cc-482c-8695-dd0fa1044f11/content