Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary intervention recommended for patients recovering from acute cardiac events or living with chronic cardiac conditions to improve functional capacity and reduce mortality. Aim: The primary aims of CR are to reduce the physiological and psychological burdens of cardiovascular disease, lower all-cause and cardiovascular-specific mortality, restore cardiopulmonary function, and enhance quality of life through structured, supervised programming. Methods: CR is delivered through phases, interprofessional programs integrating supervised, graded exercise training (aerobic and resistance), rigorous risk factor modification (e.g., lipid, blood pressure, and weight management), and structured psychosocial support and patient education. Programs are typically supervised and span approximately 12 weeks. Results: Participation in CR leads to significant improvements in functional capacity (e.g., VO₂ max), modifiable risk factors, and psychosocial well-being (reducing anxiety and depression). It demonstrably reduces hospital readmissions and long-term mortality. Furthermore, CR has an exceptional safety profile, with severe adverse events being exceptionally rare during supervised sessions. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation is a cornerstone of cardiovascular secondary prevention, effectively improving clinical outcomes, functional status, and quality of life. Despite its proven benefits, utilization remains low due to systemic and patient-level barriers.
Al-Shammari et al. (2024) studied this question.