Every year, more than 55,000 Australians have a myocardial infarction, with many undergoing cardiac surgery.¹

The acute cardiac event is not only a physical assault on the body, it is also an emotionally traumatic and significant life event for many patients and families.

Around one in five patients experience severe depression in the year after their acute event, a prevalence that is four times greater than that seen in the general population.^2-8

Post-event depression is associated with poor engagement in activities that promote health and wellbeing, such as adherence to medications, attendance at cardiac rehabilitation programs, healthy eating and physical activity.^9-12