Heart disease. Presented by Celine Gallagher RN, PhD
A clinical overview for Exercise Physiologists
Heart disease is highly prevalent and a leading cause of death and disability in Australia; and as Exercise Physiologists, it’s of clear value to keep our broad clinical knowledge up to date.
Dr Celine Gallagher offers a comprehensive rundown of three significant heart conditions: pump, electrical and plumbing, aka heart failure, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. For each, an update of the mechanisms, sub-types, symptoms and management is shared.
New research indicating the key role of inflammation in acute coronary syndromes is introduced. This opens up opportunity for conceptualising one mechanism of the value of exercise, and other health behaviours, that support the immune system and inflammatory pathways for better cardiovascular health.
We are reminded of the accessibility and value of the Absolute Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, which is the central tool for Medicare-funded Heart Health Checks. Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are a significant contributor to ALL three types of heart disease. Outside of cardiac rehab, our role will often bring focus to prevention or management through supporting behaviour change around these risk factors.
Dr Celine Gallagher is an academic nurse with a special interest in dysautonomia and cardiovascular disease. She has held several specialist clinical cardiology roles in the United Kingdom and Australia. Since entering a research career, she has focussed on arrhythmias. In 2019 Celine completed her PhD which explored the role of alternative models of care delivery and risk factor management to improve AF outcomes.