Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the state with higher rates compared to the national average.
Tasmania’s older population and higher a prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors like obesity, smoking and high blood pressure means heart disease is a significant public health issue.
Media release – St Lukes, 14 July 2025
Cardiac rehabilitation pilot to give more Tasmanians a change of heart
Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes has launched a new cardiac rehabilitation program aimed at stemming heart disease as the leading cause of death in Tasmania.
St Lukes has joined forces with Honeysuckle Health and Cardihab to deliver Tasmania’s only private cardiac rehab program for people recovering from a heart-related hospitalisation.
The seven-week program provides education, advice, physical activity and medication management through a combination of online resources and weekly one-on-one calls with a registered nurse.
St Lukes Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said around 1,300 Tasmanians die from cardiovascular disease each year, and the state has a 13 per cent higher prevalence of heart disease than the national average.
“Heart-related issues are the biggest claim area for St Lukes each year, so we see an urgent need for more preventative cardiac health measures,” he said. “There’s a brilliant public rehabilitation program, but the waitlist is long – it’s estimated less than 30 per cent of patients who could benefit from cardiac rehab actually go on to participate in a program.
“Without rehab, the risk of experiencing another cardiac event is far too high. A large-scale Australian study* found that those who completed cardiac rehabilitation were 38 per cent less likely to die or be readmitted for a heart-related issue within 12 months.
“That’s why we’ve launched our own Cardiac Rehabilitation Pilot Program, together with digital health specialists Honeysuckle Health and Cardihab. It doesn’t matter where in Tasmania a member is, this easy and engaging tech means you can access the program, better understand your heart condition, and adjust to your diagnosis.
“It will help you stay motivated to take action on your own health, improving quality of life and reducing your risk of landing back in hospital.”
Cardiologist Dr Paul MacIntyre said rehab was critical to reduce the risk of patients experiencing another cardiac event.
“So many of the risks of cardiovascular disease can be reduced through lifestyle changes to prevent a cardiac event, or with effective rehab after one,” he said.
“Chronic cardiovascular disease creates a huge burden on the health system, and the new St Lukes program will certainly lighten the load by providing rehab opportunities for private patients, complementing the existing public rehab offering.
“This reduces the risk of further heart-related episodes, saving more Tasmanian lives.”
The program is free for eligible St Lukes members with a doctor’s referral. Learn more at stlukes.com.au//cardiac-rehabilitation-pilot-program.
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