Chronic Disease August 2026 6 min read

Exercise Physiology for Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Conditions

Cardiovascular disease is Australia's leading cause of death — but it is also one of the conditions most responsive to structured exercise. An accredited exercise physiologist is uniquely qualified to prescribe and supervise exercise for people with heart disease, cardiac conditions and elevated cardiovascular risk.

Why exercise matters for cardiovascular health

Regular exercise is one of the most powerful interventions for both preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. The benefits include:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Improving cholesterol profile (increasing HDL, reducing LDL and triglycerides)
  • Improving heart function and cardiac output
  • Reducing inflammation — a key driver of atherosclerosis
  • Supporting healthy weight
  • Improving insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control
  • Reducing the risk of a second cardiac event by up to 25%

Cardiac rehabilitation: Exercise physiology is a core component of cardiac rehabilitation programs following heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, heart failure and other cardiac events. An AEP prescribes and supervises exercise within safe cardiac parameters, monitoring heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms throughout.

Cardiovascular conditions managed through exercise physiology

  • Coronary artery disease and post-heart attack rehabilitation
  • Heart failure — exercise is safe and highly beneficial when appropriately prescribed
  • Post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation (bypass, valve replacement, stent)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Atrial fibrillation — exercise improves AF outcomes and reduces recurrence
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Elevated cardiovascular risk (pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity)

How is exercise physiology funded for cardiac conditions?

  • Medicare CDM — heart disease and hypertension qualify for GP Management Plans. Your GP can refer you for up to five rebated sessions per year. Exercare bulk bills eligible clients.
  • Private health — most extras policies covering exercise physiology apply to cardiac rehabilitation.
  • Aged care — exercise physiology for cardiovascular conditions is a fully-funded Clinical Support under Support at Home.
  • NDIS — where cardiovascular conditions relate to an eligible disability, exercise physiology may be funded under Capacity Building.

Cardiac exercise physiology in south-east Melbourne

Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology for cardiovascular conditions across south-east Melbourne. Medicare bulk billing available. We come to you.

Medicare & private intake Aged care intake

Written by the Exercare team. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology for cardiovascular conditions across south-east Melbourne. Start with Medicare or private health →