There is new help for cardiac patients in Windsor-Essex.
Two cardiologists from the Windsor Heart Institute have piloted a new cardiac rehabilitation program which focuses on patients who are at risk of developing cardiac issues.
The centre will provide preventative care before a heart attack.
Speaking on AM800's the Afternoon News, Dr. Roland Mikhail says it's about providing targeted exercises, education and diet. "When you incorporate programs like that into the ongoing care of patients or people who have a cardiac event, well we can reduce long-term mortality by up to 30-40%."
The cardiologists say this is a first of its kind in Ontario. Mikhail says it's about changing people's lives. "If you really want to have a dramatic impact in terms of keeping people living longer, it has to do with lifestyle modification and that's what we target."
About 1,000 patients suffer a cardiac event each year in Windsor-Essex and only 600 of them are able to receive rehabilitation after the heart attack.
"This is a private alternative to the wellness program at the hospital," says Mikhail. "Unfortunately due to a variety of reasons, some people can't access public or hospital based program in a timely manner and sometimes there are logistics that prevent them from being able to engage in that program."
The centre is now officially open on Howard Ave. near Lens Ave.