EVERY year 55,000 Australians have a heart attack and according to the Heart Foundation not enough people are taking the right steps to prevent another heart attack.
During Heart Week (May 1-7, 2016), the Heart Foundation is talking about how attending a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack is a critical first step in a person’s recovery and the best way to help prevent having another one.
Heart Foundation SA’s Director of Health, Ms Rachel McKay said less than one in three heart attack survivors will attend cardiac rehabilitation classes, even though for many of them it could save their life.
“We know many people aren’t referred to or don’t attend a program, leaving them at real risk of having another heart attack,” Ms McKay said.
Studies show that heart attack survivors who have participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program have a greater chance of avoiding a second event. In fact they are 40% less likely to be readmitted to hospital and 25% less likely to die from another heart attack.
“Cardiac rehabilitation helps people get back on their feet and return to living an active and fulfilling life after their heart event – both physically and emotionally.
“Thanks to advances in heart treatment and care, more people are surviving their heart attack than ever before, which is why cardiac rehabilitation programs are more important than ever.
“We want people to think about cardiac rehab as an investment in their future. It may take some time and effort now, but will dramatically increase their quality of life and improve their health.”
During Heart Week we’re working with health professionals and encouraging people to have that one conversation about their heart health.
Have a conversation with your doctor, and call the Heart Foundation Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87 – they can help you find your local cardiac rehabilitation program.
For more information visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/heartweek
Fitbit is a proud Major Partner of the Heart Foundation. Fitbit is a pioneer and leader in connected health and fitness and empowers people to lead healthier, more active lives.
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
