Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs play a
significant role in reducing mortality, improving risk
factors, meeting informational needs, and improving
exercise capacity and psychosocial wellbeing.4Y6 Of
the millions of patients with CHD who are candidates
for CR, only 5% to 20% typically participate,
and most are men.7Y14 Women often face overwhelming
psychosocial and physical rehabilitative
hurdles, yet fewer women than men are referred to,
begin, or complete CR programs.6 The attendance of
women who are referred is often sporadic because of
family responsibilities or other logistical and economic
barriers.15Y21 Low participation in CR prevents
women from attaining the multiple health
benefits of these programs.