Pharmacy Daily | CHD patient complacency

A new report released today titled Two Hearts One Future from the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, reveals that many heart attack survivors underestimate their risk of having a future heart attack, and fail to follow their GP’s advice or attend rehabilitation. According to Professor Simon Stewart, Head of Preventative Cardiology at Baker IDI, the study serves as a major wake up call to Australians living with coronary heart disease and highlights the need for more effective secondary prevention and ongoing support programs for heart attack survivors. Less than half of those who had survived a heart attack maintained a healthy diet, and even less are exercising regularly, the report said. “The findings suggest that heart attack survivors are failing to make the necessary lifestyle changes to mitigate their risk of a repeat heart attack,” said Professor Stewart. “Nearly one in four people who are fortunate to survive a heart attack will go on to have another episode or require medical intervention. “Within a year, one in 11 of these people will die,” he said, adding: “We need to place greater emphasis on patient education, supported by innovative strategies such as telephone support and inhome care.” Every year around 55,000 Australians are hospitalised due to a heart attack, with nearly a third of these due to repeat attacks. By the end of the decade, the number of Australians dying from repeat heart attacks is expected to rise to 7,521, a 40% increase on current levels. The report also looked at the impact of heart attacks on carers, who were more deeply affected post-event, carrying a greater emotional burden and expressing concern that nearly half of survivors hadn’t taken responsibility for their future heart health. Heart Support-Australia and the Heart Foundation have joined together to promote the content of the report, which was supported by Astra-Zeneca.

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