Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Cut Death Risk by 75 Percent in Victoria Study

A study of 7,100 Victorian patients across 13 public hospitals found that attending cardiac rehabilitation programs reduced patients' risk of dying from another heart attack by 75 percent. The same research showed that mortality was four times higher among those who attended no sessions compared with those who completed the full program. Benefits increased with each additional session attended.

Typical programs run for six to eight weeks and include supervised cardio and strength training, education sessions, and counseling to address emotional impacts. The programs operate in public and private hospitals as well as community health services.

Only 20 percent of eligible patients accessed the programs. Researchers noted that shorter hospital stays and minimally invasive procedures such as radial-artery stents may lead patients to underestimate ongoing risk.

One patient, a 47-year-old single father from Melbourne's south-east, completed the program after a heart attack that followed a 37-kilometre bike ride. He reported learning nutrition changes, including reduced salt intake, and receiving support to return to work.

A cardiologist at St Vincent's Health stated that the programs help patients adopt behavioral changes with clinical effects comparable to medication. The same physician called for additional funding to shorten current six-to-eight-week waiting times after discharge.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of Australia's leading causes of death, claiming a life every 12 minutes according to the Heart Foundation. About one in six Australian adults live with the condition.