Feb. 6, 2012

February marks Heart Health Month – an occasion to focus on steps we can take to help prevent cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke. 

But at Women’s College Hospital, every month is heart month. Our Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) helps women manage risk factors and take action against heart disease every day.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death and disability among women. So it is vital for women to manage their heart health by maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including being active, eating a healthy diet and reducing stress. And for the half a million women diagnosed with heart disease each year, cardiac rehabilitation is an essential component to staying healthy.

“What’s surprising is that cardiac rehabilitation services are available, but women with heart disease tend not to take advantage,” says Jennifer Price, advanced practice nurse, cardiology. “Having a support group of other women with similar health concerns and a safe place to exercise is critical for many women to commit to a program. And that’s what we do at WCHI.”

Recently added to our already extensive cardiac rehabilitation program is a new orientation. It provides patients with an understanding about what to expect at WCHI and educates them about cardiac risk factors, exercise principles and nutrition. It is the first step in an ongoing care and treatment program. After orientation, patients meet with Price to have an individual health assessment and walking test to assess their exercise capacity so that exercise can be accurately prescribed once they start the program.

Developed in 1996, WCHI is Canada’s only comprehensive assessment and lifestyle program for women with existing or potential heart problems. The program is composed of a three-month primary prevention program for women with multiple risk factors and a six-month cardiac rehabilitation program for women with heart disease.

Cardiac rehab at WCH includes small group sessions, a relaxed atmosphere in a safe and comfortable setting, a support group of other women with similar health concerns and individual exercise programs to follow in class and at home. As a result, WCHI’s evaluation outcomes to-date have been extremely positive, with over 85 per cent of participants completing the program in six months, compared to the historical average of only 55 to 65 per cent cited by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

“Our patients are active, happy and heart healthy,” adds Price.

For more information on the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative, click here.