Future-Proofing Heart Care in Australia: Reimagining Cardiac Rehabilitation

Australia has made significant strides in reducing mortality from heart disease over the past 60 years. However, a growing number of Australians are living with heart conditions, creating a necessitate for improved long-term preventative care. Reimagining cardiac rehabilitation is crucial to future-proofing the nation’s heart care system.

The Growing Challenge of Cardiovascular Disease

Although advancements in acute care and prevention have dramatically decreased heart disease mortality – by more than 75% – over 500,000 Australians are admitted to hospital each year with a heart condition [1]. Survivors face a ten-fold increased risk of future heart attacks, with 40% being readmitted to hospital and 20% dying within three years. The financial burden of cardiovascular disease exceeds $14 billion annually and continues to rise [1].

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation has been a cornerstone of recovery after a heart attack, procedure, or other cardiac event for 60 years. Traditionally, programs have delivered supervised exercise, education and psychological support over 6-8 weeks [2], [1]. These programs are proven to reduce recurrent events and hospitalizations, improve quality of life, and facilitate a return to work and community life [1].

Addressing Underutilization and Inequities

Despite the benefits, cardiac rehabilitation programs are underutilized, underfunded, and access is unevenly distributed. Less than half of eligible patients are referred, and only a fraction attend, leaving over 375,000 Australians missing out on this vital stage of recovery [1]. The term “cardiac rehabilitation” itself can be limiting, implying a focus solely on cardiac diagnoses and a finite period of recovery, rather than promoting lifelong cardiovascular health [1].

Innovations in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Initiatives like SOLVE-CHD, a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Synergy Grant, are working to bridge the gap between evidence, and access. This multidisciplinary team is redesigning rehabilitation delivery to be more personalized, digital, and equitable [1]. One project, the Heart2Heart clinical trial, is evaluating a digital peer support application to connect people living with heart disease, providing empathy, encouragement, and ongoing care beyond hospital walls [1].

The Importance of Peer Support

Stories like Ross’s, a train driver from the Gold Coast who found minimal follow-up after a heart procedure, highlight the need for greater support. Ross’s experience led him to facilitate peer support sessions for others, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared understanding in recovery [1]. He believes that “the most important thing for a person recovering from heart disease is talking to people that understand the condition and the encouragement to keep moving forward.”

A Call to Action

Future-proofing heart care in Australia requires a national commitment to secondary prevention. A new Roadmap is being developed in collaboration with the World Heart Federation to outline a pathway to lifelong cardiovascular health [1]. Clinicians and policymakers play a vital role in referring patients, advocating for program expansion, and recognizing post-discharge care as essential. Researchers and policymakers must continue to listen to those with lived experience to improve reach, quality, and system efficiency.

Finding a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

To start your recovery journey, talk with your doctor and explore cardiac rehabilitation programs across Australia through the Heart Foundation’s directory. The Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) also provides resources and a national map of services [2].