The Future of Heart Care: Beyond Rehabilitation to Lifelong Cardiovascular Health
Australia has made significant strides in reducing heart disease mortality over the past 60 years, with a decline of over 75%. However, this success brings a new challenge: a growing population living with heart disease requiring long-term support. By 2050, the number of people globally living with heart disease is predicted to increase tenfold.
The Current Landscape of Cardiac Rehabilitation
For six decades, cardiac rehabilitation has been a cornerstone of recovery following a heart event, procedure, or diagnosis. Traditionally, these programs – typically lasting 6-8 weeks – have provided supervised exercise, education, and psychological support. These programs demonstrably reduce recurrent events, hospitalisations, and improve quality of life, aiding a return to work and community life.
Despite these proven benefits, cardiac rehabilitation remains significantly underused. Less than half of eligible patients are referred, and even fewer attend. This means over 375,000 Australians miss out on this vital stage of recovery each year. The term ‘cardiac rehabilitation’ itself can be limiting, focusing on ‘cardiac’ diagnoses rather than broader cardiovascular conditions and implying a finite period of recovery instead of lifelong health promotion.
SOLVE-CHD: Redesigning Rehabilitation for the Future
Initiatives like SOLVE-CHD, a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant, are working to bridge the gap between research and access to care. This multidisciplinary team is focused on redesigning rehabilitation to be more personalised, digital, and equitable.
One project, the Heart2Heart clinical trial, is evaluating a digital peer support application connecting people with heart disease, regardless of location. This leverages technology and lived experience to provide ongoing empathy, encouragement, and care beyond hospital walls. SOLVE-CHD aims to make cardiac rehabilitation a consistent, accessible, and integral part of heart care, not an afterthought.
The Rise of Digital and Remote Cardiac Care
The future of cardiac care is increasingly digital. Remote monitoring, telehealth consultations, and virtual rehabilitation programs are expanding access, particularly for those in rural or remote areas. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring of vital signs, personalised exercise plans, and regular check-ins with healthcare professionals.
The Importance of Peer Support and Lived Experience
The story of Ross highlights the power of peer support. What began as a personal recovery journey evolved into facilitating support sessions for others, demonstrating that recovery is about restoring purpose and connection. Harnessing lived experience is crucial, providing empathy and encouragement that complements traditional medical care.
A Shift Towards Lifelong Cardiovascular Health
The focus is shifting from ‘rehabilitation’ – a finite period of recovery – to promoting lifelong cardiovascular health. This involves ongoing risk factor management, lifestyle modifications, and proactive monitoring to prevent future events. A new Roadmap is being developed with the World Heart Federation to outline a pathway to lifelong cardiovascular health for all countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a program of support, exercise, and education led by health professionals, personalised to strengthen your heart and help you make healthy lifestyle changes.
Who is eligible for cardiac rehabilitation?
Anyone who has had a heart attack, heart procedure, or diagnosed with a heart condition may be eligible. Talk to your doctor to find out if it’s right for you.
How long does cardiac rehabilitation typically last?
Programs often run for 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your program and health condition.
Australia has an opportunity to lead the way in future-proofing heart care. By listening, investing, and acting collectively, we can ensure every Australian receives the care and support needed to live a full and healthy life after a heart event.
