Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation: an Underutilized Resource.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review evidence-based lifestyle modification strategies for secondary prevention and explore how they are incorporated in traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and intensive cardiac rehabilitation (ICR) programs.

RECENT FINDINGS

While physical activity is an important element of cardiac rehabilitation, more recent studies support a variety of methods, including stress management and plant-based diets, to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Patients who participate in traditional CR programs demonstrate clinical improvement, which are significantly greater in intensive CR (ICR). Yet, there is still a disparity in numbers between those who are eligible and those who ultimately enroll. Research into non-surgical and non-pharmacological health management approaches continues to validate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary intensive CR programs, but there is an increasing need to connect patients with these opportunities.