WA heart disease patients are being urged to share their stories as part of a research project designed to link people who have, or have recovered, from heart disease.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University have spent four years connecting heart patients, their carers and friends and family so that they can share their experiences, discuss health issues and support each other online.
Heartnet, the online website designed by Edith Cowan University (ECU), is funded by the Australian Research Council and supported by the Heart Foundation in WA.
Now, ECU researchers say they want more people to visit the site to tell their stories of heart disease, as well as stroke and blood vessel disease patients to help them develop a profile of people with the conditions and improve the site’s ability to help.
ECU senior researcher and South Perth resident Trevor Cullen said the website was available to anyone over 18.
“Heart disease patients need support to recover and Heartnet allows them to find that support in the comfort of their own home,” Dr Cullen said.
“They have incredible strength and the website allows them to share that strength and their experiences with others.”
For more details about the website, and to participate in the research project on heart disease, view online at www.heartnet. com.au or contact Dr Cullen on 9370 6354 or t.cullen@ecu.edu.au.