Cardiac rehabilitation reduces heart attack death risk by 75%, yet only one in five eligible patients attend.
A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology analyzed 7,100 Victorian patients across 13 public hospitals. The findings reveal a stark contrast in outcomes: attending cardiac rehabilitation reduced the risk of dying from another heart attack by 75%. Mortality was four times higher among non-attendees compared to those who completed the full six-week program, with health benefits increasing for each additional session attended.
Why Aren't Patients Attending?
Lead author Dr. Susie Cartledge from Monash University points to modern medical advancements as a double-edged sword. Minimally invasive stent procedures may lead patients to underestimate the severity of their condition. Additionally, shorter hospital stays reduce time for patient education, and patients often forget information provided at discharge.
What the Program Involves
Cardiac rehabilitation typically runs for six to eight weeks and includes:
- Supervised exercise
- Education
- Counseling
These programs are offered at public and private hospitals and through community health services. Cardiologist Kegan Moneghetti from St. Vincent's Health states these programs help patients make behavioral changes equivalent to pharmaceutical interventions.
"Attending cardiac rehabilitation reduced the risk of dying from another heart attack by 75%."
A Personal Example
Brendan Trew, a 47-year-old from Hampton, suffered a heart attack in January 2026 despite having no traditional risk factors. He attended a six-week program and reported it helped rebuild his strength and reduced his risk of a second attack.
The Cost of Low Attendance
Dr. Cartledge notes that increasing attendance to 60% would result in significant financial savings for the health system and prevent many second heart attacks. Dr. Moneghetti called for more funding to reduce wait times, as patients often face a six- to eight-week delay before starting rehabilitation.
The Broader Picture
Cardiovascular disease claims a life in Australia every 12 minutes. About one in six Australian adults live with cardiovascular disease, with most risk factors being preventable through lifestyle changes.