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Women Face Cardiac Rehab Barriers Despite Better Outcomes Than Men

American Heart Association reveals women face 36% lower cardiac rehab enrollment than men despite better outcomes. New research identifies barriers and solutions for gender equity in heart care.

This research matters because cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women worldwide, and cardiac rehabilitation represents one of the most effective interventions for improving survival and quality of life after heart events. The documented disparities in access mean that thousands of women who could benefit from these proven programs are being systematically excluded, potentially leading to preventable deaths, hospital readmissions, and diminished quality of life. The findings highlight systemic healthcare inequities that disproportionately affect women, particularly women of color and those with caregiving responsibilities. Addressing these barriers could significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality rates among women and improve health equity across diverse populations. For healthcare systems, implementing the recommended solutions—such as automatic referrals and flexible program options—could transform cardiac care delivery and save lives while reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with recurrent cardiac events.