Cardiac rehabilitation programs aim to limit the psychological and physiological stresses of CVD, reduce the risk of mortality secondary to CVD, and improve cardiovascular function to help patients achieve their highest quality of life possible. Accomplishing these goals is the result of improving overall cardiac function and capacity, halting or reversing the progression of atherosclerotic disease, and increasing the patient's self-confidence through gradual conditioning.

CR ere the process by which patients with cardiac disease, in partnership with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals are encouraged to support and achieve and maintain optimal physical and psychosocial health. The involvement of partners, other family members, and carers is also important”.

Cardiac rehabilitation should be offered to all cardiac patients who would benefit:

• Recent myocardial infarction
• Acute coronary artery syndrome
• Chronic stable angina
• Congestive heart failure
• After coronary artery bypass surgery
• After a percutaneous coronary intervention
• Valvular surgery
• Cardiac transplantation

Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs should be available to all cardiac patients who require it. Age is not and should not be a barrier to cardiac rehabilitation participation. However, consideration of patient safety results in the following specific inclusion/exclusion criteria applying to the participation.