Psychological Needs Of Heart Attack Patients Must Be Met, Says Heart Charity

Main Category: Heart Disease
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 12 Aug 2009 - 11:00 PDT

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In response to a study published today, in the British Journal of Health Psychology (1), showing that many people experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress following a heart attack, Ruairi O'Connor Head of Policy and Public Affairs said: "A heart attack can leave people, especially those who already feel quite vulnerable, feeling isolated and traumatised.

"It is vital that people receive the care and support they need to recover physically and emotionally. This should be done through cardiac rehab programmes; however these services continue to be underfunded and under staffed. Our audit of services last year (2) showed that only 23% of programmes offer access to a psychologist.

"The BHF is part of the Cardio and Vascular Coalition, which is calling for a planned approach to cardiovascular provision in the coming decade, for all heart attack patients to receive cardiac rehabilitation in the UK."

Cardiac rehabilitation is a 12 week programme, costing just £600 (3), that provides medical and lifestyle advice and gives heart patients a 26% greater chance of surviving in the five years following their diagnosis.

(1)British Journal of Health Psychology (2008), A preliminary study of negative appraisals and dysfunctional coping associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following myocardial infarction Susan Ayers, Claire Copland and Emma Dunmore. Dr Susan Ayers, Department of Psychology, University of Sussex. Revised 1 July 2008. DOI: 10.1348/135910708X349343
(2) The National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation Annual Statistical Report 2008
(3) British Association for Cardiac Rehabilitation (BACR) recommended minimum cost for Cardiac Rehab

Source
British Heart Foundation

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