Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Persons with Cardiovascular Disease

AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite widespread recommendations, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is not well utilized in older adults. This review explores the valuable benefits of CR in geriatric patients as well as strategies to improve utilization.Recent FindingsEligibility for CR has long included coronary heart disease and has recently expanded to include heart failure, valvular disease, and peripheral artery disease, all which particularly impact older adults. New research has demonstrated unique functional and geriatric-specific benefits in older adults who participate in CR.SummaryThough few studies have specifically focused on geriatric populations, these patients have similar benefits to CR in various types of cardiovascular disease in respect to improved morbidity, rehospitalization, and mortality. Furthermore, older adults participating in CR commonly derive unique benefits in respect to frailty, mood, and functional status. Nonetheless, utilization rates are low in the general population, and even lower in older adults. Increasing use of home-based programs may help increase utilization and benefits among older CR candidates.
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research