Factors Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life, Return to Work, and Optimal Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Adults with Cardiac Disorders-A Literature Review

Cardiovascular disease contributes to the largest burden of noncommunicable diseases leading to death and disability globally. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recognized as a secondary prevention program for patients with cardiovascular disease. Its benefits include mortality reduction, symptom relief, reduction in smoking, improved exercise tolerance, risk factors modification, psychosocial well-being, and early return to work (RTW). Although these benefits are well known, intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing CR utilization and optimization have not been studied. Thus, the present review aimed to explore factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL), RTW, and optimal utilization of cardiac rehabilitation in adults with primary cardiac disorders. A review of the literature was performed using Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. Fifty-eight studies published in English during 2012-2022, conducted on adult patients were included in the review. Higher education, physician support, family support, and health insurance were facilitators of a better quality of life. A socially vulnerable group, depression-anxiety, cognitive impairments, and older age negatively influence HRQoL. RTW improves HRQoL. Comprehensive CR, social support, and health-care benefits lead to early occupational reintegration. Therefore, improving referral, enrollment, adherence, and completion are deemed necessary for optimal CR utilization.