Cardiac Rehabilitation for Women

Abstract

Traditionally women have been underrepresented in studies evaluating the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Yet, the available evidence suggests that CR is at least equally effective and for some outcome measures may be more effective in women compared to men. Despite these documented benefits, CR is underutilized in women, particularly older women. Many of the obstacles that deter women from enrolling and completing CR sessions have been identified and acknowledged by physicians and preventive health organizations. Despite a general understanding that exercise-based CR is a step toward a healthy life-style and ought to be undertaken to restore functional capacity and quality of life, only a minority of patients and healthcare providers are aware that CR is documented to save lives. Hence, CR should be regarded as equally important as adherence to pharmacologic secondary prevention measures, or – expressed differently – not participating in CR equals not filling the prescriptions after hospital discharge. This review highlights recent evidence for the benefits of CR on morbidity and mortality of women with cardiovascular diseases and suggests approaches to improve CR participation.