Exercise Study Can Put Patients' Hearts At Rest, Says BHF

Main Category: Heart Disease
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 07 Apr 2009 - 4:00 PST

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In response to a report published in JAMA, which found that a programme of exercise is beneficial for heart failure patients, British Heart Foundation cardiac nurse Ellen Mason said:

"This controlled trial backs up previous evidence that people with heart failure benefit from a prescribed programme of exercise, by showing they are less likely to die or be admitted to hospital.

"This should reassure people recently diagnosed with heart failure that it is safe to be put into an exercise programme by their doctor.

"Despite the fact that exercise is so obviously beneficial for heart failure patients, they are hardly ever given access to cardiac rehabilitation services, which offer exercise programmes designed specifically for heart patients. The NHS must invest more in cardiac rehabilitation, in line with the overwhelming evidence that it saves lives."

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease.

Source
British Heart Foundation

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