A vital part of Have a Heart Paisley’s work is supporting patients already diagnosed with heart disease to reduce their risk of further heart problems (secondary prevention). Exercise Testing The secondary prevention component in this next phase of activities focuses mainly on exercise, and involves the expansion of the current British Heart Foundation screening and referral system.

Existing heart patients, seen on an annual basis at secondary prevention clinics within primary care, will be asked if they are ready to make a change to their exercise behaviour. Patients who do want to make this change, will be referred to the Exercise Tolerance Test service run by the cardiology department of the RAH. The results of this test will allow staff to agree an appropriate level of exercise supervision.

Health Coaching

Prior to their ETT, patients will be asked if they consent to be part of Have a Heart Paisley’s Health Coaching initiative. Through their health coach, patients will be referred to appropriate supervised exercise sessions. Those who don’t require formal supervision but would still like structured exercise sessions will be signposted to relevant services. Health coaches will also provide support for home-based or unstructured exercise.

Any other lifestyle changes that patients wish to address, such as stopping smoking or healthy eating, will also be encouraged by the health coaches and participants will be signposted to appropriate existing services.

Moving Forward

Primary Prevention

Cardiac Rehabilitation