THOUSANDS of heart attack survivors are risking death by eating badly, smoking and not exercising, according to research that shows loved ones are highly distressed by their lifestyle.
Around 40 per cent of survivors admit to not following their GP's instructions, fewer than half eat well and even fewer exercise regularly, according to research led by the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and sponsored by AstraZeneca.
More than 10 per cent smoke and 35 per cent have failed to control their cholesterol.
Although heart attacks are the biggest killer in Australia, two thirds of victims survive and 55,000 are admitted to hospital a year. Nearly a third of the hospitalisations are for repeat attacks.
Most survivors know a healthy lifestyle is important, according to the research, but 83 per cent of women and 73 per cent of men say this is a challenge.
The study entitled Two Hearts One Future was conducted among 536 survivors and 511 people who care for a survivor. It shows carers carry a great emotional burden.
Around 45 per cent of carers feel the person they care for is not taking responsibility for themselves, but those who attend cardiac rehabilitation programs tend to manage better.
The findings are a major wake up call, says Professor Simon Stewart, head of preventative cardiology at Baker IDI.
"People need to understand there is a lot of work to do after a heart attack," he says.
"Many don't realise they have to make a life-long commitment to minimising their risk."
The chances of having a second or third heart attack are high and the more you have the more deadly they become, he says.
"Carers are carrying a great burden. They can see what the person they are caring for needs to do, but they often feel powerless and traumatised."
Peter Morgan, president of patient organisation Heart Support-Australia, says repeat heart attacks are preventable and the report highlights a need for better education and support programs.
Heart Foundation national director of cardiovascular health Dr Rob Grenfell says discharge from hospital is the start of the heart disease journey and recovery.
But he is concerned about limited communication and connection between services.
"Essential lifestyle programs are disjointed or, frankly, unsupported," he says.
"We know the person most likely to have a heart attack is a person who has already had one, and so a united effort to prevent secondary events in Australia is critical."
