Decisive for recovery, rehabilitation in a center is unfortunately still very rarely carried out by French women who are victims of a heart attack.
- Rehabilitation centers allow people who have suffered a heart attack to recover better and limit the risk of recurrence.
- Despite this offer, “cardiac rehabilitation is rarely followed by French women” deplore three specialists.
- “To explain this, there is first of all the number of places available in the centers, the lower prescriptions upon leaving the hospital… But also the fact that women often prioritize their family and professional obligations to the detriment of their health,” they add.
At a press conference of the French Federation of Cardiology (FFC)cardiologist Anne-Laure Laprerie, cardiologist Gérard Helft and the co-president of the Commission “Women’s Heart” Loan Vo Duy stressed the importance of rehabilitation after a heart attack, an approach that is often overlooked among women who suffer this type of heart attack.
Heart attack rehabilitation: ‘women prioritise family obligations’
“Cardiac rehabilitation is poorly followed by women”deplore the three specialists. “To explain this, there is first of all the number of places available in the centers, the lower prescriptions upon leaving the hospital… But also the fact that women often prioritize their family and professional obligations to the detriment of their health,” they add.
“Above all, they want to resume their daily activities, while a period of rehabilitation in a center supervised by a multidisciplinary team allows them to benefit from all the practical advice to return to as normal a life as possible. This also minimizes the risk of relapse,” they insist.
Heart attack rehabilitation: “I came out feeling re-energized”
“After my heart attack and hospitalization, I went home. I was happy, but since I live alone, I was scared. I asked myself every night when I went to bed: will I wake up the next morning?” says Jacqueline, who recently suffered a heart attack.
“15 days later, I went into rehabilitation on the advice of my cardiologist who called for me. I spent two months in a center, during which I relearned to have confidence in myself. I also realized there that I could still do lots of things in life,” she testifies.
“During this session, you can do sports, get dietary advice and even see a psychologist if necessary. You are also explained what your medication is for and why you need to take it,” she remembers.
“The first month of rehabilitation was a bit complicated for me, but the second was really, really beneficial. I came out of it feeling really pumped up,” Jacqueline is pleased.
Rehabilitation after a heart attack: “there are 263 Heart and Health clubs in our territory”
Once the stay in the rehabilitation center is over, it is advisable to start attending Heart and Health Clubs of the French Federation of Cardiology. “There are 263 such structures throughout the country,” emphasize Anne-Laure Laprerie, Gérard Helft and Loan Vo Duy. “They offer the possibility of practicing various physical activities, adapted to the pace of each person and supervised by health and Adapted Physical Activity (APA) professionals. These spaces allow you to get back into shape, find serenity and, if necessary, a social life,” they indicate.
In France, cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of death among women of all ages.
