It's a startling reality: Women are missing out on a potentially life-saving opportunity: cardiac rehabilitation. Despite the proven benefits of these programs for recovery after heart surgery or a major cardiovascular event, many women aren't participating. This is a crucial issue, and understanding why is the first step toward change.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that combines exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and educational components. Participants experience a significant boost in their short-term and long-term recovery, with reduced chances of hospital readmission and a lower risk of future heart problems. But here's where it gets controversial: despite these clear advantages, women are less likely to enroll in and complete these programs compared to men.
Dr. Jessica Golbus, a cardiologist at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, highlights this disparity. She notes that existing programs may not adequately address the specific needs of women. In October 2025, Dr. Golbus co-authored an American Heart Association scientific statement in Circulation that explored the benefits, barriers, and potential solutions for increasing women's participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
So, how exactly does cardiac rehab help women?
According to Dr. Golbus, cardiac rehabilitation offers universal benefits. It helps reduce risk factors for future cardiovascular events, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, ultimately improving overall quality of life. Even though women participate less, studies show that those who do experience at least as much benefit as men. Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital tool for optimizing recovery, and Dr. Golbus encourages anyone who might be eligible to discuss it with their healthcare team.
Why the low participation rates among women?
There are numerous barriers, and they vary widely. One significant factor is that women often receive fewer referrals for cardiac rehabilitation than men. This could be due to their specific diagnoses or, potentially, clinician bias. Since a conversation with a clinician is a major factor in enrollment, this is a critical issue. This disparity is even more pronounced in underrepresented racial groups.
Other obstacles include issues with insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and social isolation. Women are also more likely to be caregivers, and those responsibilities can make it difficult to participate. But here's a thought-provoking question: Could societal expectations and gender roles be inadvertently contributing to this disparity?
How can cardiac rehab better meet women's needs?
Women who have experienced major cardiovascular events may have unique needs. They are more prone to depression and psychosocial distress after such events. They may also be older at the time of their heart event and have other health conditions that limit their ability to exercise. Furthermore, women are more likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation after less common cardiovascular diagnoses. Despite these differences, research consistently shows that all patients who qualify for cardiac rehabilitation can benefit.
What can be done to improve participation?
Dr. Golbus emphasizes the need for targeted interventions. Increasing referrals is a crucial first step. Automatic referral processes have shown great success. Physician recommendations and facilitated enrollment through case managers are also effective in increasing awareness and enrollment. Cardiac rehabilitation teams could also tailor programs to women, offering a broader range of exercise choices, focused education, and more extensive psychosocial support. Peer support groups can also play a vital role, improving quality of life and reducing depression and anxiety, which, in turn, can affect cardiac rehab attendance. Finally, exploring virtual cardiac rehab using digital health technologies could eliminate transportation barriers and improve access.
In conclusion: The information points to the urgent need to address the underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation among women. By understanding the barriers and implementing targeted solutions, we can ensure that more women benefit from this essential program.
What are your thoughts? Do you think healthcare providers and systems are doing enough to address these disparities? Share your opinions in the comments below!
