The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) say too few patients with heart failure and unstable angina are recieving cardiac rehabilitation.

The two charities revealed that less than one in ten patients with these conditions were referred for the Scotland-wide rehabilitaion classes, which only cost £600 a year per patient, but which have shown that heart patients are 30 per cent less likely to die over a ten-year period if they have taken part in a cardiac rehab programme.

Experts say more Scots heart patients should be offered life saving cardiac rehabilitation, which involves patients taking part in supervised exercise and education sessions to help them live as full and healthy a life as possible.

CHSS chief executive David Clark said: “We would like to see every patient who is suitable, and who wants it, having the chance to access this invaluable support.”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Our National Advisory Committee on heart disease will continue to work closely with cardiac services and the voluntary sector to take this forward.”

Source:  The Scotsman