The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the way men and women experience their cardiac problems, rehabilitation programs, and the resulting quality of life. A descriptive two group research design was utilized. A convenience sample produced 35 participants, 20 men and 15 women. At the participant’s first or second cardiac rehabilitation session, a pretest on quality of life was given. Posttesting was done at 5-8 weeks later. It was hypothesized that the women would have lower quality of life scores than the men. This was not supported in a data analysis using an analysis of covariance. However, there were improvements in health and functioning for both groups from pretest to posttest. Furthermore, the men had a significant improvement in overall QOL from pretest to post-test. The women did not. The results support the need for continued research on gender differences in the care of cardiac clients