HEART WEEK: Shock mental toll in cardiac incidence

Mr McGennisken had been involved with cardiac peer support group Heartbeat Ballarat long before he realised he would need the help. His next door neighbour had a heart transplant and Mr McGennisken did what he could to help raise money and awareness.

But his own experience was nothing like he had expected.

“I had none of the pointers. Mine was brought on by stress,” Mr McGennisken said.

“Something a lot of people don’t realise how having a heart incident can have such an impact mentally on you, even in rehab.”

Two in three people who experience a cardiac incident do not go back to full-time work afterward, according to Heartbeat Ballarat.

Barry Rowe was 49 when he had his first heart incident. Now a Ballarat Health Services volunteer, he never went back to a full-time job. Recovery was tough and there were days when he knew he could not cope with work commitments.

Peer support in Heartbeat Ballarat has been crucial for Mr Rowe the past 11 years.

Mr Rowe’s journey has been different to Mr McGennisken. He had a long family history of heart disease and knew he was high risk.

Both relish the chance to share their stories, experience and resources in the support group. The collective offers ongoing support after working their way through BHS’ cardiac rehabilitation gym at the Queen Elizabeth Centre.

“Cardiac rehab has the skills and support to learn to start moving again,” Mr Rowe said. “The group also helps on diet and addressing knowledge and skills to keep going. Once you have had a heart incident, you can understand how disabling it can be.”

Heartbeat Ballarat offers one-on-one and group support for individuals and extended family affected by cardiac illness.

Mr McGennisken said having families involved, can really help them to understand what might be going on and understand their own feelings.

The group also raises funds money to help improve cardiac services at BHS Base Hospital and St John of God Ballarat Hospital.

BHS cardiac nurse Linda Macauley, who is also Heartbeat Ballarat vice-president, said two in three Ballarat families are, or will be, touched by a cardiac incident.

Ms Macauley said support services were important, and so too was awareness and prevention.

“That’s our family, friends or work colleagues you know,” Ms Macauley said. “This is why it is really important to see your (general practitioner), get your blood pressure under control and to get moving.”

Heart Foundation Victoria is campaigning to ensure you “don’t get the sits” this National Heart Week. The campaign is urging everyone to get moving. At least 30 minutes’ physical activity a day can lower heart disease risk by 35 per cent.

IN A big Heart Beat gesture, new steps will help boost heart and lung patients on their rehabilitation journeys.

The purpose-built steps, officially declared in use in Ballarat Health Services’ Queen Elizabeth Centre gym for National Heart Week. They arrive after efforts on the greens for Ballarat District Bowls Division’s annual Heart Beat tournament.

BHS cardiac nurse Linda Macaulay said the seemingly simple piece of equipment would play a vital functional aid for a range of patients, from heart to lung and stroke to people with acquired brain injury.

“The primary purpose is building people up to everyday functions like getting on and off buses, stepping up curbs or from cars and doorways,” Ms Macaulay said. 

Able to step into the main gym room, the equipment will allow exercise staff greater flexibility to watch patients, rather than finding steps to use in other rooms nearby.

The BDBD donated $4000 each to BHS and St John of God Hospital this week from the latest Heart Beat tournament. Ms Macaulay said it would help secure wireless devices to monitor hearts of patients with infections.

ALMOST one in three Victorians are putting their hearts at risk by not exercising enough. Heart Foundation Victoria is urging people to stop getting the sits and aim to be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day for their hearts.

We are more likely to love being active for our hearts if we get moving with a friend or pet, new research also shows.

Heart Foundation Victoria chief Kellie-Ann Jolly said exercise could be broken into 10-minute blocks and easily fit into the day, like walking to work, running or swimming.

“The heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised daily to remain strong and healthy,” Ms Jolly said.

“Regular physical activity helps protect your heart and reduces your risk of heart disease by managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and obesity levels.”

Heart Foundation Walking groups in Wendouree, Soldiers Hill and Sebastopol aim to help people start to get active and offer company.

For more details: walking.heartfoundation.org.au.