Recent advances in cardiac rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
Cardiac rehabilitation has been established as an effective treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease for many years. Despite this, utilization remains low. The purpose of this article is to review the latest research on the benefit, utilization, and implementation of cardiac rehabilitation.


RESULTS
Recent research is supportive of the beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure as well as in older patients. Unfortunately, cardiac rehabilitation continues to be considerably underutilized with poor referral and enrollment rates. Implementing quality performance measures, automated referral systems, and the option of home-based cardiac rehabilitation for some patients may all help to increase participation. In addition, innovative exercise training regimens may help to enhance the beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac rehabilitation appears beneficial in an increasing array of cardiovascular diseases. Ongoing efforts to improve its use are essential for optimal disease management.
Reeves
Gordon R
GR
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Whellan
David J
DJ
D000367:Age Factors; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome