Healing Highland hearts at Thurso Leisure Centre
High Life Highland (HLH) shared personal stories of how cardiac rehabilitation classes in Thurso helped many Caithness residents recover from heart-related conditions.
Cardiac rehab is an individualised exercise, education and support programme built around personal circumstances. It is seen as a vital part of a person’s recovery – and every bit as important as medication.
Amy Sutherland works at HLH’s Thurso Leisure Centre and leads weekly cardiac rehab classes.
She said: “Anyone who is suffering from a heart condition – they might have had a heart attack or surgery – will be offered seven free cardiac rehab sessions by their GP or physiotherapist.
“They are referred to us at HLH and from there we gently ease them back into exercising in a safe environment, building fitness, and strength and helping to restore confidence so they can get back to living a normal life.
“There is no one size fits all during these classes with each participant focusing on their own recovery journey. As an instructor it is lovely to see people making progress every week regardless of their age or health condition.”
For 25-year-old Hollie Whitson from Thurso, being part of the cardiac rehab programme has been life-changing. Born with a congenital heart defect, Hollie grew up not being able to take part in sporting activities at school, having to watch from the sidelines because she could not – and was not permitted – to take part.
Following surgery in 2023 and cardiac rehab classes with Amy, Hollie is fitter than she has ever been. She has since taken out a Highlife membership and is regularly in the swimming pool before work or can be found in the gym and still goes to Amy’s cardiac rehab classes because she enjoys them so much.
“I am overwhelmed sometimes when I reflect on what I can do now,” said Hollie. “I was anxious and apprehensive after my surgery about exercising – would I be able to do it?
“But after just one week I was hooked. Amy helped me work on improving not just my fitness but my confidence – she has been wonderful and I couldn’t have done this without her.”
Cardiac rehab can help people recovering from surgery, a procedure or heart attack and reduce the risk of further heart problems. It can help participants understand their heart condition and how best to get back to living as full a life as possible, help with lifestyle changes and build confidence.
For Hugh Mackay (60) from Wick, he woke up one morning with a blocked coronary artery, which resulted in a trip to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness to have a stent fitted. With no previous underlying health issues and living a healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis came as a shock.
He completed his seven-week block of cardiac rehab classes and is now in good health, walking 30-35km a week and is looking to return to work soon. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the cardiac rehab sessions.
“I was worried about what I could do or what I shouldn’t do after my procedure but Amy provided a safe environment where I could build my fitness and more importantly my confidence so I could eventually get back out and exercise on my own.”
Retired nurse Mairi Clasper had been a keen runner before her diagnosis with cardiomyopathy in 2023. Similar to Hugh and Hollie, Mairi was concerned about what she could and couldn’t do to help her recovery.
“I felt cast adrift, I was lost, not knowing what I could do – I wondered if I was a ticking time bomb,” said Mairi.
“I knew Amy already, as we used to work together, so when I heard she was going to be leading cardiac rehab classes I was sure to get my referral. Amy took me through various exercises and explained about keeping a healthy heart rate. She really helped me rebuild my confidence.
“The other good thing about the classes is that you are now in touch with a community of people who are going through a similar experience – it’s reassuring to know you are not alone.”
Mairi has long since been discharged from her cardiac nurse but continues to go to cardiac rehab classes as well as Silver Circuits and walks most days.
She added: “I feel so much better, more confident – I have been building myself back up gradually and the classes have been a great help to me.”
HLH works closely with NHS Highland to deliver this vital service across the region. Professor Steve Leslie, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for cardiac rehabilitation said: “Maintaining physical activity is key to recovery after a cardiac event and to maintaining a healthy heart.
“We have a long partnership between the NHS Highland and HLH staff who provide an excellent service and support many of our previous patients.”
For more information, please visit the HLH website at: www.highlifehighland.com/
HLH is a registered Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee.
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