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The Heartbeats Charitable Trust is at the forefront of a new programme designed to reduce readmission and mortality rates for heart attack survivors.
Initially, the group was focused on supporting locals who had had a heart attack, cardiac surgery or a pacemaker implant.
In June, it partnered with the University of Auckland’s Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre to launch Heartbeats Cardio, which founder Trent Lash says is a game-changing programme.
“There are cardiac exercise-based programmes delivered by the public healthcare system, but this takes it further and longer, and has wrap-around services, based on overseas programmes,” he says.
The Heartbeats Cardio programmes reduce readmission rates by up to 28 per cent within the first 12 months, post discharge, Trent says.
At this stage, it is offered only at the University of Auckland’s Newmarket campus, and 70 per cent of those going through the programme are Heartbeats members from the Hibiscus Coast or Warkworth.
However, Trent says the aim is to scale it up as funding allows.
Heartbeats Cardio is a gym and community-based programme, delivered through qualified clinical exercise physiologists over a 12-week period.
It features ongoing clinical monitoring and assessments, personalised programmes tailored to each individual’s heart condition, combined with professional diet advice and mind-body counselling with peer-to-peer support from Heartbeats’ network.
Dr Paul Marshall, from the Rehabilitation Research Centre, says the programme can greatly improve the quality of life for cardiac patients.
“Harnessing the expertise of clinical exercise physiologists to design personalised exercise programmes puts Heartbeats Cardio at the forefront of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention in Aotearoa,” he says.
“The programme is a testament to the power of compassion, science, and collaboration in crafting tailored care plans.
“Together with Heartbeats, we want to make a profound difference in the lives of those living with heart conditions, empower our communities to embrace proactive cardiac care, and foster a path to lasting wellbeing.”
Funding so far has come through donations and private support, and the Trust is now seeking sustainable funding to scale up the programme throughout Auckland.
Heartbeats Cardio info: https://www.heartbeats.org.nz/cardio/
Heartbeats’ support programmes include meetings, talks, and a Heart Buddy matching platform. Info: https://www.heartbeats.org.nz/atrial-fibrillation-guide-heartbeats/
