News

Support the Heart Foundation's Annual Street Appeal

The people of Christchurch are being asked to put the heart-health of their family and neighbours first next week, as the Heart Foundation's Christchurch branch holds its annual Street Appeal to raise money for the charity's work.

Like most of us, Christchurch man Dennis Cusdin never expected to be a cardiac patient. Dennis had a physical labour role at the Canterbury Jockey Clubs Riccarton Park Racecourse and was in good health. But when a strong hail storm approached the racecourse one day - all that changed.

As Dennis, also a part time trainer, was bringing two thoroughbreds in, they were spooked by the strong wind.

"One kicked me straight in the chest. I've been around horses 26 years and this is the third time I've been kicked."

But this time would be different. The blow had fractured his sternum. What was not known at the time was that the kick had also damaged his aortic heart valve.

"As time went on, I knew things weren't right. I could feel an unusual beat and my legs were feeling like jelly at times. My doctor referred me to cardiologist Professor Hamid Ikram who monitored it with an echocardiogram from this point."

Dennis's heart was increasing in size and he was getting more and more tired. An angiogram in February revealed the real damage and what was considered a Grade 1 condition turned into a Grade 4. Surgery to replace the damaged aortic valve became the top priority.

On his wedding anniversary in May, Dennis had a carbon-fibre titanium valve fitted. The day after he was discharged from hospital, he developed a viral infection and returned to hospital for a week long stay. Eventually he was able to leave and Dennis began his home recovery.

Dennis says this was when the Heart Foundation literature proved invaluable.

"I had all the literature. They had left us all the things about what you'd had done and what to expect. You can use it if you're not sure of something yourself and it eases your mind and relieves any anxiety."

Dennis was put on the blood thinner warfarin and relied on the Heart Foundation literature for important information.

"They did explain the warfarin, what it does and how it works. They explained the side effects with other drugs. You read up and you understand it better. It's quite good."

Dennis is expected to make a full recovery and is already back at the Canterbury Jockey Club working 30 hours a week. But he notices one thing in particular from his heart valve replacement.

"You can hear the valve ticking in your chest. It's quite noisy. I wasn't prepared for it. It's not a heartbeat. It's a clicking like a loud clock. It's strange knowing that you have a bit of carbon fibre in there."

Tim Mills, Chief Executive of the Riccarton Park says he has seen Dennis's condition change.

"Before his operation most of us probably didn't appreciate how restrictive Dennis's condition was. Since he has been back at work there's been a transformation, he's livelier now, onto it and fitter than ever."

The Heart Foundation needs the public's help to continue to help people like Dennis. Information brochures need to be updated with the latest medical advances and treatment techniques.

The street collectors will be manning the streets of Christchurch on Thursday, 3 November asking shoppers and passers-by to donate to the charity's cause of fighting heart disease in their local community.

All money raised during the Heart Foundation's street appeal will be used to help local projects and community members.

Each year, 40% of all deaths in New Zealand are caused by cardiovascular (heart, stroke and blood vessel) disease. Many of these deaths are premature, and preventable.

"The Heart Foundation works hard each year to support the Christchurch community with a range of services including cardiac research, running education training programmes on nutrition, physical activity and smokefree lifestyles and supporting cardiac rehabilitation programmes and clubs," says the Heart Foundation's Heart Health Advocate, Kathy Grattan.

"Since the Heart Foundation was formed in 1968, our work has helped to more than halve stroke and death rates around New Zealand, but we still have far to go before we are truly winning the fight.

"As a charity, much of our success is dependent on generous donations from the public. This is the city's chance to help us help your family and neighbours fight heart disease. We hope everyone is able to support our annual Street Appeal in some way.

"Please help us help our local hearts live longer and healthier lives by donating to the Heart Foundation."

Street collector volunteers will be placed at malls and supermarkets around town.

For more information please contact:

Kathy Grattan
Heart Health Advocate
The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand
kathyg@nhf.org.nz
Phone: 03-366-2112

Or contact Aimee Brock , Communications Manager, ph (09) 571 9182, email aimeeb@nhf.org.nz