January 2, 2022Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy40 citationsOpen Access
Cardiac rehabilitation for older adults: current evidence and future potential
Key Result
Cardiac rehabilitation is an important component of recovery for older adults with cardiovascular disease, though further reengineering is needed to address the needs of frail candidates.
Structured PICO
Does cardiac rehabilitation improve outcomes and prevent functional decline in older adults with cardiovascular disease?
P
Population
Older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in combination with comorbid diseases and geriatric syndromes
I
Intervention
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR)
Cardiac rehabilitation is an important standard therapy for older adults with CVD to prevent functional decline, though it requires reengineering to better address frailty and remote formats.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Growth of the older adult demographic has resulted in an increased number of older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in combination with comorbid diseases and geriatric syndromes. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is utilized to promote recovery and improve outcomes, but remains underutilized, particularly by older adults. CR provides an opportunity to address the distinctive needs of older adults, with focus on CVD as well as geriatric domains that often dominate management and outcomes. AREAS COVERED: Utility of CR for CVD in older adults as well as pertinent geriatric syndromes (e.g. multimorbidity, frailty, polypharmacy, cognitive decline, psychosocial stress, and diminished function) that affect CVD management. EXPERT OPINION: Mounting data substantiate the importance of CR as part of recovery for older adults with CVD. The application of CR as a standard therapy is especially important as the combination of CVD and geriatric syndromes catalyzes functional decline and can trigger progressive clinical deterioration and dependency. While benefits of CR for older adults with CVD are already evident, further reengineering of CR is necessary to better address the needs of older candidates who may be frail, especially as remote and hybrid formats of CR are becoming more widespread.