Women participated substantially less often than men in cardiac rehabilitation, despite achieving similar or greater benefits in mortality reduction and quality of life. Participation was about one-third lower overall and as low as 10% to 12% among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian women. Automatic referrals and case management markedly increased enrollment, while caregiving roles, comorbidities, and limited referrals remained barriers. The American Heart Association emphasized system-level strategies, including hybrid and home-based models, to improve access. “Implementation of these strategies can facilitate access to CR programs for women, promoting their quality of life and long-term cardiovascular health,” the writing group stated. The AHA urged broader inclusion of women in cardiac rehabilitation research and program design to close persistent gaps in cardiovascular recovery.

Source: AHA Journals