One Conversation Can Save a Life
16April 2016
One conversation can save a life
Heart Week 2016: Sunday 1 May – Saturday 7 May
Only 38% of patients who have had a heart attack were advised to attend cardiac rehabilitation programs by hospital staff, a Heart Foundation survey of 1,800 heart attack survivors released in the lead up to Heart Week has shown. [i]
During Heart Week (1-7 May 2016), the charity is talking about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and asking the thousands of health professionals across the country toparticipate in Heart Week by downloading a resource packages to learn more about cardiac rehabilitation, or to raise awareness with their colleagues or patients.
Heart Foundation’s National CEO and practicing cardiologist, Professor Garry Jennings said not enough heart attack survivors are being referred to or are attending cardiac rehabilitation programs.
“The majority of heart attack survivors don’t attend cardiac rehabilitation, with many not knowing the services exist or the proven benefits,” Prof Jennings said.
“Simply by recommending cardiac rehabilitation you can help prevent someone having another heart attack.”
Our survey showed the main reasons why people don’t attend cardiac rehabilitation is that they haven’t been referred to or advised to attend (60%), followed by time constraints (10%) and travel or distance issues (10%).
“Every health professional has a role to play in making sure all Australians who have a heart attack are referred to cardiac rehabilitation, and have the best possible chance of returning to an active and satisfying life,” he said.
“The good news for health professionals is that we know that when patients are advised to attend, 80% will follow their advice.”
Every year 55,000 Australians have a heart attack, yet only around 13,000 of these survivors will attend a cardiac rehabilitation classes, even though for many it will save their life.
Studies show that people are 40% less likely to be readmitted to hospital and 25% less likely to die from another heart attack if they have participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
During Heart Week the Heart Foundation isasking health professionals to have that one conversation with their patients about their heart health – it could save their life.
Join us for Heart Week at heartfoundation.org.au/heartweek
- Download one of our three cardiac rehabilitation resource packages (including a range of resources, including information sheet and poster for health professionals, and a cardiac rehabilitation quiz to help make learning fun, as well as patient brochure, posters and a template event invitation)
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.
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Media contact:
- Emma Bourke, National Media Manager, 0421 911 116,
- Brad Thomas, National Media Adviser, 0411 310 997
Please note. Our spokespeople are available for interview and we can help you find local case studies / cardiac rehabilitation programs in your area.
The Heart Week logo is also available
What is cardiac rehab?
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs include physical activity, health education, counselling, behaviour modification strategies and support for managing your heart condition.
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs are held in hospitals, community spaces or in your home and can be attended in person, over the phone, or online.
Quick heart stats
- An Aussie has a heart attack every 10 minutes
- It is estimated over 430,000 Australians have had a heart attack at some time in their lives
- Heart attacks are the single biggest killer of Australians every year.
- Heart attack claims the life of one person every hour
- One in three heart attacks are repeat heart attacks
- One in five people who have had a heart attack will have another heart attack within 12 months.
- Each heart attack costs our health system $30,700
- The average cost of a cardiac rehabilitation program is approximately $885 per person
[i]Heart Foundation Heart Attack Survivor Survey 2012-2015, based on 1,794 survivors surveyed