Peer volunteers participated in a 4-hour orientation session. Ninety-three percent of the peers felt adequately prepared for their peer volunteer role and 98% of them initiated calls within 72 hours of the patient's discharge. Peers made an average of 12 calls, less than 30 minutes in duration, to each patient over the 8-week period. Most common support activities provided by the peers included listening to patient concerns, promoting activities, reinforcing rest periods and encouraging achievements. Patients were satisfied with their peer support experience. The intervention group reported improved physical function, role function, less pain and improved cardiac rehabilitation enrolment.