Survey Uncovers the Life-Changing Effects of a Heart Attack
and Critical Need for Education

Issued – Thursday December 8, 2005, Dallas — A new survey reveals a majority of heart attack survivors characterize their attack as a life-altering “wake-up call,” giving them renewed priorities and a second chance at life. However, many of those surveyed also say their heart attack left them with feelings of depression, hopelessness or fear. In fact, the survey showed that heart attack survivors are more likely to fear having another attack than death. Surprisingly, the survey also showed that while an overwhelming majority acknowledge their increased risk for another attack, 40 percent admit they are not doing everything they can...

 

But too many go without this valuable form of care, experts say
-- Robert Preidt

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Experts in cardiac care have issued new "performance measures" meant to boost patient enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

They say too many heart attack patients aren’t getting the benefit of this form of care.

The new guidelines will also set standards of excellence for these programs and are compiled by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American Heart Association (AHA).

Experts note that fewer than 30 percent of eligible patients ...