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At just 42 a heart attack stopped James in his tracks.

Bendigo Health’s national award-winning Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helped him rebuild his confidence and return to life.

James considered himself fit and healthy. He never expected a heart attack to happen to him.

After experiencing chest tightness over several days, tests confirmed he was having a heart attack. He later needed four stents.

“Being 42, a heart attack didn’t really factor into my way of thinking,” James said.

The treatment was only the beginning. At home, James faced the fear and uncertainty that can follow a life-changing heart event.

“You’ve got three young daughters and a wife at home, and you’re having a heart attack.

The free six-week cardiac rehabilitation program at the Clinical Services Campus helps people recovering from heart conditions regain confidence, exercise safely and better understand their health through supervised exercise and education.

“Coming to the cardiac rehab was huge. Having the information and then doing the exercise, it was unreal,” James said.

Exercise Physiologist Liz Riddell said the aim is not to push people too hard, but to help them progress safely.

“We’re helping people safely rebuild confidence and return to normal life,” Liz said.

For James, connecting with other participants was an important part of recovery. The connections formed with other participants were equally valuable.

“It was even good just to get out of the house and come here. I connected with a guy who had open-heart surgery, and it was good to chat about both of our experiences.”

Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Jacquie Dunston said being with people who understand the experience can make a real difference.

“Being with other people who get it is a big part of our program,” Jacquie said.

Seven months after his heart attack, James had returned to work and received encouraging feedback from his cardiologist.

“He said you wouldn’t even know I’d had a heart attack,” James said.

The Bendigo Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has received a prestigious national award for excellence in patient assessment, education, supervised exercise, evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary care.

The award by the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association is part of a pilot nationwide initiative. Jacquie said the award recognised the team’s commitment to helping patients through a difficult time.

“We’ve always thought we’ve done a really good job, but to actually be recognised gives us reassurance that we’re helping our patients and participants,” she said.

If you have had a heart attack, heart surgery or another cardiac event, ask your cardiologist, surgeon or healthcare team whether Bendigo Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program can support your recovery.