*7.2. Facility*

Cardiac rehabilitation facilities should provide dedicated consultation, exercise, and education areas [1]. Consultation areas are utilized for medical assessments and investigations (e.g., echocardiography), psychological evaluations, and interventions. Exercise facilities/gymnasiums with equipment for the assessment of functional capacity and exercise training should allow for appropriate space around patients and equipment—i.e., 3.0 to 4.0 sq. m per individual [4]. There should be appropriate space for conducting the six-minute walk test. The exercise area should be covered with a non-slip floor surface and should provide temperature and humidity control (with an optimal temperature of about 22 ◦C). A source of water should be available on site for all exercising patients. Monitoring equipment must be available during exercise for patients at high risk, whereas low-risk patients do not need monitoring in most cases [3]. Educational areas should allow for group education/intervention and should include TV presentations and educational booklets. Centre-based phase II cardiac rehabilitation facilities should include a reception, waiting area, changing rooms with separate toilets, showers, and lockers for patients, as well as offices and toilets for personnel. An emergency call system should be available in all exercise areas. Participants with disabilities should have full access to all cardiac rehabilitation facilities.

### *7.3. Equipment*

The equipment in cardiac rehabilitation centers can be utilized for clinical assessment, exercise testing and training (for both endurance and strength), medical evaluation, and in the case of medical emergencies [1]. The equipment used for the assessment of clinical status and the measurement of vital signs typically includes a sphygmomanometer; ECG monitoring and heart rate monitoring; a digital oximeter; a blood glucose meter; equipment for measuring height, and a weight scale.

For medical evaluation, echocardiography machines and ECG Holter monitoring equipment on site are essential. Mandatory emergency equipment in the exercise area comprises an automated external defibrillator with ECG printout, portable oxygen with nasal cannula and face mask, intubation equipment, and portable suction equipment [2].

Endurance exercise training can be performed on calibrated leg cycle ergometers, treadmills with speed and grade control, arm ergometers, elliptical machines, or rowing machines. As a minimum, treadmills and cycle ergometers should be available. Strength training equipment should include multi-weight machines, dumbbells, and elastic bands [5].
