The prognostic benefit of cardiac rehabilitation, even in
the contemporary era of advances in treatment for cardiovascular
disease, is well-established.1,2 Indeed, we
might argue that fully realising the benefit of primary
percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial
infarction (MI), new cardiovascular surgical procedures
and drug therapy is not possible unless patients
are supported to recover physiologically and psychologically,
adhere to prescribed treatment and change
unhealthy behaviours. Research shows that we still
fail to achieve good control of risk factors in women
and men with cardiovascular disease across Europe.3
Thus, comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation is more
important than ever, and must continue to evolve to
keep up with innovation in treatment and to address
the challenges of patients with different needs and preferences,
and the world’s ageing population.non
