Survivors encouraged to join Cardiac Club

Heart event survivors encouraged to join Cardiac Clubs

Heart attack survivors should make the most of their second chance at life, says the Heart Foundation.

In fact, Heart Foundation’s Cardiac Care National Affiliation Manager Rosemarie Thomas wants Kiwis who have experienced a heart event to reassess their lives and become more active than ever to take a new lease on life.

And she believes that Valentine’s Heart Week, the Heart Foundation’s annual awareness week from February 9-15, is the ideal time to join one of its affiliated Cardiac Clubs.

Ultimately, she says, there is life after a heart event – to which a number of factors can contribute – and people can pick up their lives and live more actively, meaning they can be around for their families and friends for longer.

“People in Cardiac Clubs prove this all the time. You know, we have 60 affiliated Cardiac Clubs meeting in regions and towns all around the country which thousands of people attend on a regular basis and the overwhelming response from those involved is that clubs add another dimension and richness to their life,” says Ms Thomas.

“They feel more socially connected, they develop new and lasting friendships and get involved in their community.

“But most importantly, they establish a solid support network where they can get their confidence back and realise that they can return to the kind of lifestyle that everyday Kiwis enjoy. That is, being active and doing whatever they want to without fear – obviously within reason,” she says.

Cardiac Clubs are places where people who have suffered from a heart event, such as a heart attack, can meet and talk with others who have been through similar experiences.

Club leaders are trained on the fundamentals of cardiovascular care so that they can provide services that encourage and support positive lifestyle changes following a heart event.

Support is also offered to people who might be at high risk of a heart event, such as those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

While the clubs vary in format and frequency of meetings, the majority hold physical activity programmes and invite guest speakers to talk about heart health related issues as well as other general topics. All Cardiac Clubs promote a warm social and supportive atmosphere with partners and families also encouraged to participate in them.

“Cardiac rehabilitation programmes can increase your chance of survival, while lessening the risk of another heart event,” says Ms Thomas.

To find out more about your local Cardiac Club, contact Ms Thomas on 09 571 9178 or rosemariet@nhf.org.nz.

ENDS

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