Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation/Secondary Prevention Programs

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs are recognized as integral to the comprehensive care of patients with cardiovascular disease.1 2 In 1994, the American Heart Association stated that cardiac rehabilitation programs should consist of a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to overall cardiovascular risk reduction, and that programs that consist of exercise training alone are not considered cardiac rehabilitation.1 This concept has been further developed in the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research clinical practice guideline on cardiac rehabilitation,2 which provides the most comprehensive review of the scientific literature and evidence-based recommendations regarding all aspects of the discipline. …