Key result
Exercise-based cardiac rehab likely reduces all-cause mortality and cuts MI ~28% vs no exercise.
Why the study?
Coronary heart disease mortality rates remain steady in low- and middle-income countries while declining in high-income countries, increasing the need for effective management strategies such as exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.
Does exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduce mortality, myocardial infarction, and hospitalisation in adults with coronary heart disease compared to no exercise?
Population
26,886 adults with CHD across 107 RCTs, mostly post-MI or post-revascularisation
Comparison
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation versus no exercise control
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Follow-up
Short-term (6 to 12 months), medium-term (> 12 to 36 months), and long-term (> 36 months)
Authors
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Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is an inexpensive and cost-effective intervention, but right now it's underfunded and unprioritized. We want this option to be available to everyone. This new research shows you don't even have to go into a rehab center to benefit – you can participate from home and still see the benefits.”
“This review confirms that exercise is a great tool for improving the overall health of people with coronary heart disease. By adding newer studies to this update, we're able to see that digital programs work as well as in-person programmes, which really changes the game here. These approaches may help us reach people who cannot attend traditional center-based services.”
“Many people lose confidence after a heart attack or cardiac procedure and worry that physical activity could be dangerous. Appropriately prescribed exercise is not only safe for most patients, but can play a vital role in recovery and long-term heart health.”
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and hospital admissions, and likely reduces all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease.
Systematic Review (n=26,886)
Yes
Does exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduce mortality, myocardial infarction, and hospitalisation in adults with coronary heart disease compared to no exercise?
Relative Risk: 0.86 (95% CI 0.74–1)
Number Needed to Treat: 125
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and hospital admissions, and likely reduces all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease.
Dibben et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Coronary heart disease (n=26,886). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation vs. 'no exercise' control was evaluated on All-cause mortality at short-term follow-up (6 to 12 months) (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.00). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation likely reduces all-cause mortality (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74-1.00) and significantly reduces myocardial infarction (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.54-0.95) compared to no exercise.
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