Provincial heart and lung rehab program expanding to Montague

Health PEI is expanding its cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation program into Montague in April.

The rehab service is provided to Islanders recovering from a heart attack or heart failure, and to those living with chronic breathing problems.Currently it is offered only in Charlottetown and Summerside.

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About 190 patients have completed the rehab program since in began in January of 2017.

"We are seeing tremendously positive and life-changing results in our clients over the course of their rehabilitation," said Tanya Matthews, registered nurse and provincial cardio-pulmonary rehab program lead.

Program has been well-received so far

The program is offered in one of two ways. The first is a 12-week recovery program for those who've suffered a heart attack, heart failure or heart surgery.

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The second is a 12-week recovery program for those who have chronic breathing problems.

According to Health PEI, based on the clinical outcomes of patients, the results have been positive so far.

About 1,200 people each year in Prince Edward Island experience an acute cardiac eventand more than 8,000 live with chronic lung disease.

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