A GLASGOW project which helps people living with heart failure should be rolled out across Scotland, according to researchers.

REACH-HF, an award-winning cardiac at-home rehabilitation programme, which followed more than 100 patients, was led by a team from Glasgow University.

Results, which are published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, show the programme not only helped heart failure patients improve their quality of life, but was also an affordable method of rehabilitation care within Scotland’s NHS.

Glasgow Times: Glasgow UniversityGlasgow University (Image: free)

As a home-based programme, REACH-HF also offers an alternative for patients to participate in their rehabilitation without having to attend classes in a hospital setting, which can be inconvenient, time consuming and involve travel costs.

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Around one million people in the UK have heart failure, which means the heart is unable to function efficiently, causing debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and a dangerous accumulation of fluid.

The 12-week programme includes chair-based exercises, a walking plan, audio with relaxation techniques, and a manual with advice on lifestyle and medication.

Dr Carrie Purcell, lead author of the study from the University of Glasgow, said: “As a home-based programme that can provide remote support from healthcare professionals, we knew REACH-HF could overcome many of the obstacles that prevent people with heart failure taking part in hospital-based programmes.

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"Through this study we have now also shown that the programme can improve the quality of life and health of people with heart failure and be delivered in a cost-effective way in the NHS in Scotland.”