Cardiac Rehabilitation: Current Review of the Literature and Its Role in Patients with Heart Failure

Purpose of review: Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the leading cause of death in the USA despite major advances in its treatment. With time, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have gathered interest to help increase CV health and improve functional status after a CV event. Patients with heart failure have also been shown to benefit. In this review, we will evaluate the current literature showcasing the benefits of CR, particularly in patients with heart failure, discuss current limitations, and avenues for future investigation. Recent findings: Studies have shown that CR is beneficial in reducing morbidity, mortality, hospitalizations, activity-related symptoms, and increasing quality of life. Similar findings have also been observed in patients with heart failure who underwent CR in addition to optimal medical management. Summary: The positive effects of CR are well established in patients with coronary disease. Recent literature is also showing a trend to benefit in patients with heart failure, though much of the evidence is limited to patients with systolic dysfunction. Despite recommendations by professional societies, the use of CR remains underutilized. Further investigation is needed to better understand the impact of CR in heart failure. Moreover, strategies to increase CR utilization must be explored.

Duke Scholars

Author Nishant Shah Medicine, Cardiology