Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 14, 2025
Women Face Cardiac Rehab Barriers Despite Better Outcomes Than Men
TLDR
- Women who complete cardiac rehab gain greater mortality reduction than men, offering a strategic health advantage for those prioritizing long-term wellness outcomes.
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine exercise, nutrition counseling, and risk factor management to systematically improve cardiovascular health through structured, evidence-based interventions.
- Addressing cardiac rehab barriers for women creates more equitable healthcare access, improving quality of life and reducing future cardiac risks across communities.
- Women experience greater mortality reduction from cardiac rehab than men, yet face significant participation barriers including caregiving duties and transportation challenges.
Impact - Why it Matters
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.
Summary
A groundbreaking scientific statement from the American Heart Association reveals significant gender disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access and outcomes, with women facing substantial barriers despite proven benefits. Published in the flagship journal Circulation and led by Dr. Thais Coutinho of Mayo Clinic, the research demonstrates that while cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly improve cardiovascular health through exercise, nutrition counseling, tobacco cessation support, blood pressure management, and cholesterol control, women are consistently underrepresented. The data shows alarming gaps: women are 36% less likely to enroll in these life-saving programs than men, with referral rates varying dramatically by race and ethnicity—48% for white women, 34% for Black women, and only 15% for Hispanic women.
The statement identifies multiple barriers preventing women from accessing cardiac rehabilitation, including caregiving responsibilities, transportation challenges, financial constraints, and limited social support. Women from underrepresented groups particularly cite cost as a major obstacle. Additionally, women entering cardiac rehab tend to be older and have more co-existing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The research also highlights that women with cardiovascular disease are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and psychosocial distress, which can worsen cardiovascular outcomes. The statement emphasizes the importance of addressing these psychosocial needs through appropriate referrals to therapists or counselors.
The American Heart Association proposes evidence-based solutions to bridge these gaps, including implementing automatic referral systems, expanding access through flexible schedules and hybrid programs combining in-person and virtual options, and providing tailored support for women's emotional and physical needs. The statement also addresses the elevated cardiovascular risk for women with cancer histories, noting that certain cancer therapies have adverse cardiovascular effects. By increasing awareness, eliminating barriers, and offering personalized care, healthcare providers can help women achieve longer, healthier lives while reducing their risk of future cardiac events through comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Women Face Cardiac Rehab Barriers Despite Better Outcomes Than Men
