Authors' objectives:

This bulletin summarises the research evidence on the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in terms of lifestyle modification and psychosocial aspects of recovery, in addition to clinical endpoints such as morbidity and mortality.

Authors' recommendations: Cardiac rehabilitation can promote recovery, enable patients to achieve and maintain better health, and reduce risk of death in people who have heart disease. A combination of exercise, psychological and educational interventions is the most effective form of cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise improves physical aspects of recovery at no additional risk, but as a sole intervention it is not sufficient to reduce risk factors, morbidity or mortality. Current provision is growing rapidly but there is wide variation in practice, management and organisation of services. Many patients who might benefit do not receive cardiac rehabilitation. Many of the problems experienced by people with heart disease are not due to physical illness but to anxiety and misconceptions about their health. Health professionals should provide adequate, consistent and accurate information that can be understood by patients. Services should meet the needs of all groups - including women, the elderly, ethnic minorities and people with all types of heart disease. Commissioners and providers of services should monitor access to cardiac rehabilitation in order to promote equity.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/ehcb.htm

Year Published: 1998

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: University of York

Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,

Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk

Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk

Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination