Cardiac rehabilitation centre combats heart disease

If you smoke, are obese, have a sedentary lifestyle and lead a highly-stressed existence then the chances are that you are on your way to a heart attack.

Few people are aware of the pressure they put their heart under each day until they suddenly find themselves in hospital connected to a number of wires and undergoing tests.

With this in mind, physiotherapist Mireille Vincenti roped in two cardiologists, a nutritionist, a cardiac nurse and a clinical psychologist to set up The Healthy Heart Clinic, in Ta' Xbiex.

This is the first cardiac rehabilitation centre in Malta which offers a holistic approach in the fight against heart disease.

The clinic, which was set up a few months ago, is based on the recommendations of the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, leaders in cardiac rehabilitation since 1975.

Ms Vincenti said that once a patient underwent treatment for heart disease the chances were that the person would normally go back to their normal lifestyle with minimal changes.

"Doctors usually advise patients to exercise and eat healthily, but there is a real void of cardiac rehabilitation where the patient can be motivated and offered personalised support," she said.

The clinic focuses on primary and secondary prevention offering treatment programmes for those people at high risk of heart disease and those who have suffered a heart attack.

Ms Vincenti explained that people had control over keeping heart disease at bay, such as by following a healthy diet, exercising, losing weight and quitting smoking.

On the other hand, there were certain things which they have no control over, such as a family history of heart disease, the sex of the person - men are more susceptible to heart disease - and age.

In 2000, circulatory heart disease in Malta claimed the lives of 1,381 people, or a staggering 47 per cent of the total 2,957 deaths.

Ms Vincenti said the team was hoping that the clinic would be instrumental in reducing this high incidence.

Bearing in mind the saying that prevention is better than cure, the clinic handles all aspects of a healthy heart.

Once the cardiologist conducts a stress test to determine the patient's heart condition, the physiotherapist then guides the patient though an exercise training programme.

The nutritionist will then work hand-in-hand with the patient to address weight control and the reduction in blood lipid levels.

The cardiac nurse will assist each individual with general prevention and smoke cessation.

Meanwhile, the clinical psychologist will handle psychological symptoms in patients who have experienced a coronary intervention and also tackles stress management in individuals at risk.

"Stress has a direct effect on the heart and just thinking of a worrying problem can send the pulse rate rocketing," Ms Vincenti said.

There is compelling evidence that shows that regular exercise and comprehensive risk factor modification can reduce the progression of coronary artery disease.

You can lower your chances of getting heart disease. One way is through diet and exercise. Here are some tips for a healthy heart diet:

¤ Eat less fat.
¤ Eat less sodium.
¤ Reduce your calories if you are overweight.
¤ Eat more fibre.
¤ Eat a variety of foods.
¤ Also eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
¤ If you drink beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.