Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "the sum of activity and interventions required to ensure the best possible physical, mental, and social conditions so that patients with chronic or post-acute cardiovascular disease may, by their own efforts, preserve or resume their proper place in society and lead an active life".
[1] CR is a comprehensive model of care delivering established core components, including structured exercise, patient education, psychosocial counselling, risk factor reduction and behaviour modification, with a goal of optimizing patient's quality of life and reducing the risk of future heart problems.
[9] CR services can be provided in hospital, in an outpatient setting such as a community center, or remotely at home using the phone and other technologies.
Heart rate and blood oxygen levels are closely monitored by a therapist as the patient begins to walk, or exercise using a stationary bicycle.
The therapist ensures that the level of aerobic and strength training are appropriate for the patient’s current status, and gradually progresses their therapeutic exercises.
[13] It is recommended patients begin outpatient CR within 2–7 days following a percutaneous intervention, and 4–6 weeks after cardiac surgery.
[18] Participation typically begins with an intake evaluation that includes measurement of cardiac risk factors such as lipids, blood pressure, body composition, depression / anxiety, and tobacco use.
[38][39] It is important for inpatient units treating cardiac patients to institute automatic/systematic or electronic referral to CR (see: https://www.ahrq.gov/takeheart/index.html).
[41] The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence offer helpful recommendations on encouraging patients to attend CR.
[55] In low and middle-income countries, there is some evidence that CR is effective in improving functional capacity, risk factors and quality of life as well.
Through cooperation across most CR-related associations,[67] ICCPR seeks to promote CR in low-resource settings,[68] among other aims outlined in their Charter.