Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heart Fit Clinic?
The Heart Fit Clinic is a cardiac rehabilitation, maintenance and prevention clinic. We are a group of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals dedicated to our mission. It is our passion to help the people of Calgary become more aware of their chronic disease risk factors and equip them with lifestyle strategies to improve their heart health.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to come to the Heart Fit Clinic?
Clients can refer themselves to the Heart Fit Clinic. If required after their initial assessment with our Cardiovascular Nurse, we will seek a physician consent/referral on the client’s behalf. Healthcare providers can seek our referral forms at www.heartfit.ca and fax them to our clinic at (403) 278-4333.
Do I need heart problems to come to the Heart Fit Clinic?
No. Heart disease is the number one cause of death of men and women in Canada, but it is also the number one preventable disease. If you are concerned about your heart health we encourage you to see our experts at the Heart Fit Clinic.
Who comes to the Heart Fit Clinic?
People concerned about their heart health.
People who have risk factors for chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
People with heart problems such as heart disease, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure or heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation or flutter, patients treated with a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator).
What services does the Heart Fit Clinic offer?
The Heart Fit Clinic offers Coronary Risk Profiles, Carotid IMT screening, Clinical Fitness Assessments, Clinic Exercise Programs (aerobic, strength and flexibility), Dietitian and psychological assessments and consultations, including education material in all of these areas. We will be adding cardiac yoga in the near future.
We have various programs available to meet your individual needs. We offer 6 to12 week programs; clinically supervised exercise sessions from 3 to 36 sessions are also available.
Is Carotid IMT safe?
Yes. Carotid IMT is a simple ultrasound of the carotid artery in the neck. Unlike most tests used to screen blood vessel health, C-IMT is non-invasive, painless and radiation-free.
How long does Carotid IMT take?
The Carotid IMT portion of our comprehensive Coronary Risk Profile takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
Is it covered by Alberta Health Care (AHC)?
Our services are tax deductible, unfortunately at this time AHC does not cover our programs. However our services have been covered by extended health care insurance providers.
Can the Heart Fit Clinic diagnose cardiovascular disease from Carotid IMT?
No. The Heart Fit Clinic uses your C-IMT score in conjunction with the other information obtained from our comprehensive Coronary Risk Profile to provide you with a complete profile of your risk for cardiovascular disease. We encourage your to share your results with your doctor, as he/she is responsible for overseeing your health care plan.
What is the difference between clinical exercise programs and a regular personal trainer?
The difference is that you are supervised by a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP). Our CEPs are qualified to monitor your vital signs during an exercise session to ensure a safe and effective level of exercise. These include: ECG (electrocardiography), heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level and heart rate. The CEP focuses on ensuring safe aerobic, strength and flexibility training to reach your personal goals. They possess academic excellence and experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention. They are qualified to read and conduct stress tests, provide clinical exercise prescription and elite supervised exercises sessions.
What is the difference between the Cardiac Wellness Institute and the Heart Fit Clinic?
Both clinics are private clinics and offer reputable cardiac rehabilitation programs. The Cardiac Wellness Institute is a co-funded program, meaning that they receive funds from the government to conduct their program. This structure forces them to see many people a year resulting in longer wait times and large exercise classes with reduced individual attention. The exercise classes are limited scheduling twice weekly. To qualify for this program you must have diagnosed heart disease, and the program cannot be repeated without evidence of another cardiovascular event (i.e. heart attack).
The Heart Fit Clinic is not funded, allowing us to give the individual attention people deserve and assist them to reach their cardiovascular goals. The Heart Fit Clinic offers flexible scheduling from 7am to 7pm and is open Monday to Saturday. In addition to our cardiac rehabilitation and maintenance programs, the Heart Fit Clinic has a unique and highly regarded cardiac prevention program. Please refer to our patient testimonials.
Why The Heart Fit Clinic?
The Heart Fit Clinic was founded based on the principle of “how would I want to be treated if I had a heart event?”. With the experience, expertise and academic excellence of the Heart Fit Clinic team, it is our passion to help the people of Calgary achieve their heart health goals.
Book your complimentary consultation today to find out more about our program.